Minnesota Launches Statewide Homelessness Response Plan

A plan dubbed ‘Crossroads to Justice’ aims to coordinate the response to homelessness across Minnesota agencies, reports Katelyn Vue in Sahan Journal.

The plan has a stated goal of reducing homelessness by 15 percent in the next two years and narrowing racial disparities in housing. “In Minnesota, Native Americans are 28 times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Latino whites, according to the plan. Several of the plan’s action steps highlight increasing funding opportunities and expanding relationships with tribal nations and urban tribal communities.”

According to Vue, “Agency-specific efforts range from better access to state workforce programs, to a pilot program to improve food assistance to those who cycle in and out of homelessness, to better housing and benefits for veterans, to more transitional housing for those leaving prison.”

Last year, the state pledged $2.6 billion to housing efforts. The plan is also the first of its kind to include people who have experienced homelessness as consultants to ensure the plan is developed and implemented in an equitable way that most effectively serves unhoused residents.