Speak up for housing justice at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 12! Join advocates from Align and Street Voices of Change for the annual Day on the Hill sponsored by the MN Coalition for the Homeless. Hear testimonies from people who have lived the experience of homelessness, meet with your state legislators, and attend committee hearings on bills that seek to address the housing crisis in our state.
Each year, Align names three top priorities for the legislative session. We will share one those priorities each week leading up to HDotH 2025.
Priority One: Bill of Rights for People Utilizing Shelter
This issue is a top priority for our friends at Street Voices of Change (the group of people with lived experiences of homelessness who come together to organize for meaningful change, supported by Align). The bill would provide a base standard for safe, adequate and dignified shelter across the state. Currently, there are no state standards for shelters that provide space for people experiencing homelessness. Street Voices of Change worked hard to create a Shelter Resident’s Bill of Rights that is now part of Hennepin County contracts for shelters, and this bill would emulate these standards throughout Minnesota. Other partners who are part of the work on this bill include MN Legal Aid and MICAH.
The last day to officially register for HDotH was February 21, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join us! You’re welcome to ride the bus over with us on March 12 and experience the day. Let us know that you’re coming along for the ride by signing up on Realm or at the Welcome Desk.