Learn more about Sarah’s life in recovery; plus, this year’s legislative successes!
Finding Purpose in Helping Others - Sarah's Story
Before you can help others, you have to take care of yourself. Sarah (33) struggled with addiction for years. The National Institutes of Health estimate that 40% to 60% of people in recovery from substance use disorder will relapse. This is similar to the number of people struggling to manage other chronic medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. What’s important is that people have the resources, support network, and coping skills to help them recover when they are ready.
Thank you for speaking with your legislators about your housing priorities and desire to end homelessness. Together, we secured historic wins for housing and people living on low or no income that were years in the making. Here’s what we are excited about:
$100M in Shelter Capital for projects across the state, plus $37.53M for specific shelter projects. This will keep our state’s shelters safe spaces for people as they get back on their feet.
Increases to the Emergency Services Program over the next couple of years so that by 2026 the base budget will be $68.7M. These funds will help shelters meet the needs of their community.
A $95M one-time increase in funding for the Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program, including $10M designated for tribal communities. This funding will help families find and maintain permanent homes.
30% Housing Support Income Modification ensures that people who receive SSI benefits and live in community settings won’t have to pay more than 30% of their income towards their housing.Before this policy change, people could pay up to 90% of their income. Next, we hope the legislature will make a similar change for group settings like Haven Housing @ Ascension Place.
The lack of affordable housing is a major factor leading to housing insecurity and homelessness. The legislature allocated $200M for affordable housing and $85M for public housing, and while this is the most ever allocated, the need is several times greater.
Paid Family and Medical Leave will be available to Minnesota employees starting in 2026. This will help families like Rachel’s because it allows time off with partial pay to care for a loved one or recover from a serious illness. Expanded childcare assistance and the Child Tax Credit will further help families.
Protections for bodily and community safety. Legislators passed the Protecting Reproductive Options (PRO) Act and banned conversion therapy. Minnesota will also create and fund the nation’s first Office of Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls to address disparities around violence against Black women and girls.
Meet Paul
Meet Haven Housing’s newest Board Member, Paul Galles. Since 2018, Paul has been a Senior Finance Manager at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. He has had a progressive history of working in accounting and finance, and even spent some years in marketing. Paul has a track record of successful cross-functional teamwork achieving results for all stakeholders. He continuously develops collaborative relationships throughout organizations. Learn more about Paul and all of our Board Members. Thank you for your service!
June Community Events
June is full of events important to our community! Our staff and participants are looking forward to:
