Dear community partners in the work to prevent and end homelessness in Minnesota,
We know these are uncertain times. There are some things, though, of which we are certain.
Our mission has not changed.
Our commitment to housing, racial and health justice has not changed.
Our focus on justice as our North Star has not changed.
Our awareness that structural racism, genocide, and economic inequities have and continue to define housing instability and homelessness has not changed.
Our pledge to repair and transform unjust systems and hold each other and those systems accountable in the work to achieve justice has not changed.
Our need to rely on one another has not changed.
The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness affirms the necessity and benefits of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We do so painfully aware of the disparities: homelessness disproportionately affects our Native and Black relatives here in Minnesota. The Council will continue to collaborate and co-lead with impacted communities that have been historically oppressed and excluded such as Black, Brown and people of color, poor/low income, LGBTQIA2S+, people with disabilities, older adults, foreign-born, and people who have faced homelessness and Tribal Nations to implement the action plan on housing, racial and health justice.
Through the “Crossroads to Justice” strategic plan, the State of Minnesota is prioritizing solutions that have been proven to work to prevent and end homelessness. Shelter saves lives, and housing paired with supports ends homelessness. We will continue to partner with anyone who shares this vision of dignified, data-driven, collaborative actions that bring our neighbors and relatives home.
We know there are many questions in our communities right now regarding the impact of federal actions. We share many of those questions and recognize the landscape may shift from day to day. MICH is monitoring key developments as we are able and will share information that relates to the work of the State of Minnesota if/as answers become clear.
We encourage you to be in conversation with your peers to identify changes specific to your corner of the work. Please share any pertinent updates with our staff so we can determine if additional steps or communications by the State are needed. If you have questions around specific programs, please connect with the appropriate administering agency at the State.
Minnesota leadership has been actively engaging in the changing landscape.
In the midst of so much uncertainty, there is one more thing we ARE certain of: we are grateful and humbled to be sharing this essential work with you in community. We care about one another in Minnesota, and we know that we will all do better when we all have a place to call home.
Gratefully,
Cathy
Cathy ten Broeke
Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director
Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness
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