In this edition:
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Webinar moved to September 17, will focus on sharing our stories to make a difference in our communities
- Public comment period open until September 20 for Housing Stabilization Services termination
- Apply for Community Stabilization: Distressed Multifamily Rental Building Program Funding
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Duluth leaders speak to the need for federal investments in housing
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Register for the August 27 Office of Addiction and Recovery webinar
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National Alliance to End Homelessness blog series on the president’s harmful Executive Order on homelessness
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MN StoryCollective launches Version 3 of its story collection tool
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We all do better when seniors can afford to stay in their community
The date of the September webinar has been changed from September 3 to instead be on Wednesday, September 17 from 1 - 2 p.m. All webinar registration links will continue to work without any change from you – just login on September 17 instead of September 3. If you have any questions about your webinar registration, please email dan.gregory@state.mn.us
On the September 17 webinar, hear about ways you can share your story and insights to make a difference in our communities.
Though MICH webinars are not the ideal place to address individual circumstances, MICH is committed to following up if people do raise specific questions or concerns.
The beginning 10 minutes of each monthly webinar will be held to hear from the Speakers Bureau. Anyone who has lived experience of homelessness is welcome to sign-up to share through the Speakers Bureau. This is open time each month for lived experience experts to share ideas and feedback with the webinar audience.
The next webinar Speakers Bureau will be on Wednesday, September 17 at 1 p.m. There is a monthly prep session held the Tuesday before the webinar. The prep session will be Tuesday, September 16 from 11-11:30 a.m. Follow this link to join the prep session. This is an ongoing opportunity that happens each month. Sign up is required. Please email dan.gregory@state.mn.us or call/text Dan at 651-983-9985 to sign up to speak or with any questions.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) posted for public comment the State Plan Amendment that would terminate the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program. The comment period is open for 30 days, ending Sept. 20. This is a required step as part of the termination process.
Click here to review the amendment proposing the termination of HSS.
Public comments that are submitted do not need to follow any specific format. DHS will review and respond to all comments in whatever form and length they are submitted.
DHS has compiled an FAQ for HSS providers and clients that contains all of the information available at this time. The department is collaborating with the federal Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) to ensure this change is implemented with minimal impacts to people who use the program. DHS will continue to update the FAQs and communicate with partners and providers as more information becomes available.
Minnesota Housing announced the availability of up to $50 million in one-time state appropriations for the preservation or recapitalization of distressed buildings. Of this amount, up to $15 million is for the preservation or recapitalization of housing that includes supportive housing. The $50 million will be distributed as grants or loans through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process.
Community Stabilization: Distressed Multifamily Rental Building Program (Program) RFP applications are due by noon Central Time on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Find more information on their website.
Minnesota Housing staff will host three virtual information sessions to go over various topics related to the program RFP. The first information session is on Tuesday, September 2 from 1 - 2 p.m. - click here to register for this session. Additional virtual information sessions will be held on Tuesday, October 7 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, October 28 at 10 a.m.
Read the email announcing the funding and RFP by clicking here.
Minnesotans need the federal government to be a strong partner in preventing and ending homelessness. On August 14, panelists at an event in Duluth shared how they use federal resources to support their communities and why Congress must invest in proven solutions and grow – rather than cut – funding that fosters stability.
Watch coverage from local media here:
Investing in home is investing in people, communities, and a better future for all of us.
The next Office of Addiction and Recovery (OAR) monthly webinar will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The August session will include the following topics:
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Office of Addiction and Recovery update
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“Getting to know state leaders", a Q&A with Bob Jacobson – Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
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Women’s Advocates with Jake De Vera - Associate Director, Women’s Advocates
These monthly updates share addiction and recovery initiatives with partners, highlighting important work happening inside and outside state government.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is developing a series of blogs covering the context and potential impacts of President Trump’s harmful July 24, 2025 Executive Order on homelessness. Find the ongoing series at https://endhomelessness.org/blog/
To date, publications include:
MN StoryCollective (MNSC) is pleased to announce the launch of version 3 of its story collection tool for 2025. MNSC began using a story collection tool in 2023 to gather anonymous stories and self-coded demographic information from people in Minnesota. The tool was updated based on feedback in 2024 and again just recently to create version 3 for use in 2025. Over 1800 submissions have been received so far, and they are already seeing stories come in for version 3.
Building on feedback from people who submitted stories, community partners who help collect stories and State colleagues, the latest version of the tool includes:
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The option to share a story in 6 languages, including Vietnamese
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Expanded options for life circumstances, including more options for parents/caregivers
One-in-eight people who are homeless in Minnesota are 55 or older. Seniors are one of the fastest-growing homeless groups across the state, and many who are housed without assistance are paying more than they can afford toward rent, putting them precariously close to the edge.
Do you believe our towns do better when seniors can afford to stay in the community they love? Consider liking and sharing our recent post on Facebook, Instagram, and/or LinkedIn to add your voice of support!
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