|
In this edition:
-
See how State funding is improving shelters on MICH’s April webinar
-
Spring 2026 Public Comment Period for Draft Olmstead Plan
-
Governor’s 2026 Supplemental Budget Recommendation prioritizes housing stability
-
Building bridges at the MICH Council meeting
Join us for the next MICH webinar on Wednesday, April 1 from 1 - 2 p.m. If you have any questions about your webinar registration, please email dan.gregory@state.mn.us
On the April 1 webinar, hear how Minnesota’s historic investment in shelter capital funding is bringing new capacity and more dignified experiences for guests at shelters across the state.
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.
This April and May the Olmstead Implementation Office (OIO) will be hosting a public comment period for the draft Olmstead Plan. The Olmstead Plan is a set of goals for Minnesota state agencies. The goals help fulfill the right of people with disabilities to live full, integrated lives in their communities. State staff and consultants with lived experience of disability (Inclusion Consultants) worked together to write the draft plan and its goals.
There will be two main ways to provide feedback during the public comment period: a written survey and virtual meetings.
-
The survey will launch in early April. A link will be shared on the OIO website, newsletter, and social media. The survey will be open for 30 days. People with disabilities, their supporters, and professionals are encouraged to take the survey and share their feedback.
-
OIO is also working with the Dendros Group to host virtual public meetings. There will be seven virtual meetings throughout April. Each meeting is focused on one goal topic area in the plan: Housing, Transit and Transportation, Education, Crisis Services, Health and Safety, Transition (includes waivers), and Employment. Limited spots are available in these meetings. OIO wants to prioritize people with disabilities. Registration is now open for these meetings.
Feedback received during public comment will be shared with agency staff and Inclusion Consultants. They will work on updating the goals based on the feedback received. The Olmstead Plan will be finalized in Fall 2026.
Governor Tim Walz released his 2026 supplemental budget proposal on March 17. The Governor’s budget would benefit renters and homebuyers with $34 million for first-time homebuyer downpayment assistance, $33 million for permanent supportive housing, and $33 million to assist renters who are being impacted by the economy with emergency rental assistance.
The Governor’s full supplemental budget proposal is available online.
The nature of MICH’s work is to build bridges so we can end homelessness together.
Our Council meeting on March 24 drew together community partners, people with lived experience of homelessness, and State agency leadership to discuss how building bridges of trust, accountability, and collaboration is moving our shared work forward.
Watch the recording of the full March 24 Council meeting here.
|
|
Receive this eNews as a forward? Sign up for the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness eNews list. |
|
|
|
