MICAH News - September 2020 |
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Policy Highlights &
Actions
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Coronavirus – TAKE ACTION!
Congress Goes Home While Tens of Millions of Renters Risk Losing Theirs
The Senate officially adjourned for August recess through Labor Day, walking away from negotiations over the next coronavirus relief package and leaving tens of millions of renters on their own as they face evictions and imminent risk of homelessness.
Contact your members of Congress and demand that they #GetBackToWork and #DoYourJob to pass a comprehensive relief package. The time for political games and brinksmanship has long passed. Negotiations must restart to reach a deal that includes robust housing and homelessness protections and resources.
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In the midst of a pandemic, riding the wave of a racial justice uprising, MICAH and a coalition of community groups and activated renters won sweeping protections for St. Paul renters.
On July 8th, 2020, the St. Paul City Council voted unanimously to pass the Stable, Accessible, Fair and Equitable (SAFE) Tenant Protection ordinance. This major victory for fair housing and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color will increase the quality of life for St. Paul renters for years to come.
Photo credit HENS - Shaquonna Jackson, second from left, MICAH member
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Meet the People Who Make MICAH Happen |
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Edward McDonald
Board Member
Edward McDonald was drawn to serve on MICAH’s board because our mission aligns with his lifetime commitment to advocate for a clean, safe, and affordable home for everyone.
He embraces the belief that secure and decent housing is the foundation needed by everyone to achieve their best for themselves, their families, and their communities.
He brings over 30 years of professional experience as an executive manager for various non-profit community service organizations, branches of government, private corporations, and associations throughout the country. He specializes in community socioeconomic development and organization management.
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MICAH's Board Members discuss the importance of making sure that the people impacted by homelessness and housing crisis are the key decision makers in finding and creating solutions to ensure that everyone has a safe, decent, accessible, and affordable home. |
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Congratulations to Farhio Khalif,
Farhio Khalif is a strong and passionate advocate, she is founder and Executive Director of Voice of East African Women. A place of safety and resources for East African and Muslim women.
She is also President of the St. Paul chapter of the NAACP, and Vice President of MICAH's board.
Image from Bush Foundation website.
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South Chapter -
Cahill Place will provide permanent supportive housing for 40 homeless families. The Dakota County Community Development Agency, Minnesota Housing, Minnesota Equity Fund, and Metropolitan Council provided project financing. Dakota County will be providing financial support for the onsite services.
Kelly Looby, Cahill Place site director, is curating a wish list of donations for the new residents. If you would like to contribute, please contact them at klooby@centercityhousing.org
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St. Paul Chapter -
Hmong Village Highlighted
Fox9News Video Report - Sen. Smith meets with St. Paul business owners impacted by COVID-19, Civil Unrest.
In this photo, visiting St. Paul's Hmong Village on the 1000 block of Johnson Parkway, along with Senator Foung Hawj and MICAH organizer, John Slade.
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Housing For All -
Mobile Hope works with and within mobile home communities, whose residents are often overlooked and under-served. Their goal is to build healthy and sustainable communities by teaching and supporting everyone involved from residents to owners and those who serve the neighborhood.
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Freedom From the Streets -
at Twin Cities Park Encampments
This summer, Junail Freeman Anderson and Rome Darring, MICAH Board Members and leaders of Freedom From the Streets, helped residents of the temporary encampments that sprung up when people in need of shelter were evicted from the hotel in which they had been housed during the civil unrest after the murder of George Floyd.
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Minneapolis Community -
Changes starting at the Minneapolis Police Department in the days following civil unrest, udpates regarding the Blue Line Coalition & Connect Blue Line Now!, notes from the Environmental Justice Advisory Group (Mn Pollution Control Agency) and a place to learn about the Minneapolis Park encampments.
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NorthEast Chapter -
We have begun to work on organized community voices for “Virtual Virtue” squads – loving and positive ambassadors who spread real facts and calm support on issues we care about. We will have a few quick responses for standard questions, and be there to support and up-vote each other!
We have just had a couple of posts made and we’re slowly rolling this out, first on NextDoor. But if this is successful, we may be bringing the model to a chapter near you! Read more about it!
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