Working Group on Housing

(Posted 6/21/22)

News from HomeHelpMN

The application period for HomeHelpMN has been extended until August 17 to allow more time for Minnesota homeowners to apply for assistance.

HomeHelpMN provides $109 million in federal assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other homeownership-related expenses due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program opened for applications on May 17 and has already received applications from over 2,800 households, with requests for funds representing about a third of the available funding.

Estimates based on foreclosure and delinquency data, however, show that there are potentially tens of thousands of Minnesota households who may be eligible for the assistance. To allow more time for homeowners to request assistance, the program is extending the application period until August 17 at 5:00 PM.

English: HomeHelpMN still has funds available to assist homeowners who are behind on house payments and other expenses like property taxes, lot rent, and homeowner association fees. The application period has been extended until August 17 so that more people have a chance to apply. Visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 800-388-3226 to learn more and start your application.

(Posted 5/17/22)

“Our Catholic faith teaches that housing is a universal and inviolable right of all persons. This right must be available to all people, and we have a particular concern for individuals who are most vulnerable. We advocate for this just as Catholic service providers endeavor to meet the needs of all who come to their doors. In this way, we pursue the imperative work of mercy that Jesus made known in saying ‘I was . . . a stranger and you welcomed me.’

USCCB Public Affairs Office September 11,2020

You can watch a recording of a seminar hosted by St Paul office of Catholic Charites on March 1, 2022 entitled RX: HOUSING, THE CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND HOUSING” View Here

Habitat For Humanity

St. Mary of the Lake has been involved in a Habitat for Humanity build for more than 20 years and has participated in building at least 7 homes in the White Bear Lake area and others throughout the east metro area. This summer we will be working on a build located at 255 2^nd St. N, Bayport, MN on July 20 – 22 from 8:30-4:00 PM. Volunteer for the build HERE

All volunteers must be at least 17 years of age, follow the COVID protocol and safety rules outlined on the volunteer website and commit to working the full day’s shift. Each volunteer will be responsible for their own food and drink while at the build.

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Kerber mkerber@stmarys-wbl.org 651-429-7771 option 1.

Advocating Opportunities for Shelter and Housing for our Vulnerable Neighbors

Emergency Shelters Need Additional Funding
80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties lack needed shelter beds, far too many Minnesotans are sleeping in vans, cars, or outside. We need to do better.

Seniors, those with mental health issues and persons of color are disproportionately represented in our homeless population. We know that shelter saves lives and provides dignity to these struggling Minnesotans.

Funding for emergency shelter is currently being discussed in the Health and Human Services Conference Committee. Contact your Senator TODAY to urge support for the House provisions investing in shelter capital funding and funding the costs of those spaces through the Emergency Services Program. If you have an additional five minutes, please call the Co-chairs of that committee as well:

Senator Jim Abeler: 651-296-3733
Representative Jen Schultz: 651-296-2228

Share Your Concerns and Your Stories
Individual stories are so impactful. Share what you see in your community and neighborhood and where you volunteer. Help legislators understand why immediate, full-time access to sports betting will be harmful. Tell them about the people you see who can’t afford a place to live. And share that you are a person of faith and urge them to act justly.

You can find out who represents you and how to contact them by using this link: Who Represents Me?

Please make these two contacts today.

Eviction filings have soared over 65% since RentHelpMN closed abruptly due to lack of funds. 1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. The Minnesota House of Representatives current rental assistance bills include approximately $59 million, with $49 million of that for resources similar to emergency rental assistance.

Please contact your State Senator and Representative Find Your Legislator

to let them know rental assistance is essential to Minnesota families and should be included at the highest levels possible.

1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. Protect our children from being poisoned by Lead Paint. Support the Lead Safe Homes Bill.

Call or email these Legislative Leaders TODAY:

Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
Phone: 651-296-4280
E-mail: rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn

Majority Leader of the Senate Jeremy Miller
Phone: 651-296-5649
E-mail: sen.jeremy.miller@senate.mn

Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
Phone: 651-201-3400
Contact Form: https://mn.gov/governor/contact/

Suggested message:

My name is __ and I live at [___address & city___].
Please support Rental Assistance Now, which is desperately needed by Minnesota families across our state. RentHelpMN closed with only a few days’ notice and we need $330 million to serve qualifying households with this pandemic-related assistance. COVID- 19 cases have doubled since mid-March and evictions are skyrocketing, increasing displacement and homelessness for many households. Keeping renters stably housed by preventing evictions for those unable to pay the rent keeps our families and communities safe. 1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. Protect our children from being poisoned by Lead Paint. I support the Lead Safe Homes SF 1077 and HF 616.

Working Group on Housing

Advocating Opportunities for Shelter and Housing for our Vulnerable Neighbors

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