As you know, Sunday (5/18) was the end of the 2020 legislative session. Together, we accomplished so much, but there is still so much to do. The Homes for All coalition hopes to continue do build off the incredible momentum we have to secure investments to support statewide shelter needs and the development and preservation of affordable housing.
At the start of the 2020 legislative session the coalition was focused on securing $500 million in bonding investments to support the development and preservation of affordable housing and shelters. In mid-March as the COVID-19 crisis became an increasing concern, the coalition pivoted to emergency preparedness and response efforts. Homes for All advocated for increased funding and policy changes to help support outreach staff, shelters and those experiencing homelessness. The Minnesota legislature allocated $32 million to help.
Additionally, the coalition led advocacy efforts in support of a statewide eviction moratorium to help Minnesota households maintain their housing stability during the COVID-19 crisis. The Governor signed Executive Order 20-14 at the end of March halting all evictions during the peacetime emergency. Because many households have either lost jobs, had income or hours reduced the threat of eviction for non-payment of rent has been higher than ever before. In response the coalition has advocated for $100 million in housing assistance for the FHPAP program, which both the Governor and legislature have now expressed support.
Unfortunately, emergency housing assistance funding, legislation extending the eviction moratorium and investments in bonds for housing did not make it across the finish line before the end of the 2020 legislative session. We expect the legislature to reconvene for a special session on June 12th and request that housing be a priority.
Below are talking points on where the Homes for All coalition stands. If your organization has a different perspective, please make that clear when talking with lawmakers. If you have any questions, please reach out to Policy Co-Chairs Libby and Kari -- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. & This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Homes for All continues to advocate for $100 million in housing assistance funding and policy alignment on the eviction moratorium that aligns with the federal CARES Act timeline on halting evictions (end of July + 30 day grace period).
- The coalition continues to advocate for at least $200M in HIB and $100M in GO, and an additional $25M for Shelter Capital. This includes two new uses the coalition supports on its agenda for shelter capital needs and deeper affordability. The coalition remains neutral on other new uses.
- Deeper affordability – This would be the only state resource that targets households at or below 50% AMI - this is where there is the greatest gap in units available and affordable. Often families and individuals are forced into a traumatic experience of homelessness in order to get into housing (with supportive services, because that is all that is available) or they have to double up with friends or family.
- Currently, the multifamily market is producing roughly 8,400 units for households at or above 50% AMI whereas only 400 units for households at or below 50% AMI. To meet the demand for households at or below 50% AMI, we need to create nearly 4,500 new units/year. The need is especially acute for households at or below 30% AMI. There is a supply gap of nearly 65,100. There are a supply and available gap of nearly 113,000 units.
- Currently, the multifamily market is producing roughly 8,400 units for households at or above 50% AMI whereas only 400 units for households at or below 50% AMI. To meet the demand for households at or below 50% AMI, we need to create nearly 4,500 new units/year. The need is especially acute for households at or below 30% AMI. There is a supply gap of nearly 65,100. There are a supply and available gap of nearly 113,000 units.
- $25 million to Shelter Capital – 80 out of 87 counties in Minnesota don’t have enough beds to meet the need. In the past 3 years the unsheltered homeless populations have grown 62% and shelters are at capacity. The coalition has never advocated for the development of shelter, preferring to put limited resources towards permanent housing, but the needs are too great. We have seen this highlighted with COVID-19 and too many people crammed into too tight of spaces. Shelters are doing the best they can.
Again, please reach out with any clarifying questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
