From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Thu Aug 12 09:16:10 2004 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Thu Aug 12 10:14:47 2004 Subject: HousingMinnesota Bulletin - Volume 3, Issue 15 8-12-04 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A1606063EC1F@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin August 12, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 15 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available online at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements Raise Housing as a Campaign Issue in this Year's Elections HousingMinnesota has made it easy for you to raise questions to your local, state, and federal candidates this year. We have posted candidate questions on our web site tailored to candidates for local government (city/county), state office (House of Representatives), and federal office (U.S. House of Representatives). You can raise these questions at local candidate forums, at your county fair, when you bump into them in the community, or you can set up a meeting with them to brief them on housing issues important to you. The candidate questions are posted on our website . Candidate forums. HousingMinnesota will be co-hosting a number of candidate forums across the state in the coming months. Locations confirmed so far include Woodbury, Burnsville, Rochester, Owatonna, Saint James, and Redwood Falls. Please see the calendar of events on our website for further details. If you, or your community group is interested in hosting a nonpartisan candidate forum there are resources available through the Minnesota Participation Project (MPP), a project of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. MPP will provide Mini-Grants up to $250 to support candidate forums as well as training, planning, and help with publicity and turnout. For more information visit www.mncn.org/mpp . Resource for candidates. HousingMinnesota has also updated our report, "Housing in Minnesota: An Overview," to provide to candidates. This ten page easy-to-read report provides a comprehensive overview of housing issues in Minnesota and is a proven resource for educating candidates. Please email, mail, or hand your candidates this report with a personal note about the importance of affordable housing in your community. The report may be linked or downloaded from the front page of our website . FEEDBACK NEEDED! When you speak with your candidates, please provide their responses to HousingMinnesota so we can track their positions for the future. Feedback can be provided by clicking on "Contact Us" on our website or by contacting our policy director, Rachel Callanan at rcallanan@mhponline.org . Thanks for your help in bringing housing issues to the attention of candidates! Who is running for office in my district? To find out who is running for office in your community visit the League of Women Voters web site and enter your address in their district finder tool at: http://www.lwvmn.org/EdFund/Election2004.asp Met Council Responds to Section 8 Cuts This article provides a good overview of the federal cuts to Section 8 and the Metro HRA's response. Proposed Sec. 8 cuts for 2005 could force the Metro HRA to cut 710 households from the program. For the full article see the Met Council Directions Newsletter at http://www.metrocouncil.org/directions/housing/Sec8.htm * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources New HousingMinnesota Report-"Affordable Housing State Tax Credit Models for Minnesota" HousingMinnesota has explored the idea of a state-level tax credit for affordable housing for several years. Tax credits are a good strategy to help fund the production of affordable housing because they help leverage private resources to match the public investment. Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) helped fund further research on the models currently being used in other states. The full report and executive summary may be downloaded from the "Policy and Legislation" page on our web site. Updated HousingMinnesota Report-"Housing in Minnesota: An Overview" This report, mentioned above, provides a good summary of Minnesota's many housing challenges and recommends solutions. This has been one of our most popular resources and with new and updated information, it is a perfect tool for educating candidates, policymakers, community members who need to know more about the issues. See the full report on HousingMinnesota's website . "Manufactured Housing Community Tenants: Shifting the Balance of Power" From: AARP PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE "The model statute presented in this report provides a context in which to discuss the problems and issues facing residents in manufactured-home communities and to provide advocates and state legislators with a useful tool for evaluating their own statutory protections for these residents." http://research.aarp.org/consume/d18138_housing.html . (Source: Moving Ideas News) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events Various Dates, Times & Locations through September 14 Central Community Housing Trust's "Building Dreams" Presentation In an effort to increase awareness of our organization, Central Community Housing Trust has developed a program about the shortage of affordable housing and the ways in which our organization is responding to this community need. This short presentation is a way for us to tell our story and build a foundation of support. This is not a fundraising event. Please visit http://ccht.extranet.urbanplanet.com/index.asp?SEC=%7b4F2008BE-3981-4EFB -A536-9285484F3F95%7d&Type=B_BASIC for more information and to register. August 16 Alliance for Justice Election Activity on the Web Training Webcast beginning at 2:00pm EDT. Want to know what your 501(c)(3) organizations can do in an election year but don't have time to attend a training outside of the office? Sit at your desktop in your office or home and join the Alliance for Justice for a virtual election law training. This one-hour web-based training will cover the rules for 501(c)(3) election-related activity including candidate elections, voter guides, voting records, and candidate debates and forums. You will need a computer with internet access and working computer speakers in order to participate. Questions will be taken through an online chat mechanism, but not through voice, so you do not need a microphone. Once you've registered, we'll email instructions on how to log in to the training. To register online, visit: http://www.afj.org/nonprofit/workshops_events . If paying by check or AMEX, register directly with Ann Allegra at aallegra@afj.org or 202/822-6070. After August 6th, contact Liz Towne at ltowne@afj.org . Various Dates Get to Know Us Tours 2004: More Than Housing September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 14, 4:00-5:00pm, Jackson Street Village, 1497 Jackson Street North, St. Paul. Discover what Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is doing to provide supportive Housing for families, single adults and the elderly. For more information about the tours or to register, call Marni Harper at 651-642-2099 or email her at mkh@wilder.org . Space is limited. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan , Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org . -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mapnp.Geeks.ORG/pipermail/mhp-bulletin/attachments/20040812/0904f0b9/attachment.html From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Tue Aug 24 09:20:27 2004 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Tue Aug 24 10:19:25 2004 Subject: HousingMinnesota Bulletin - Volume 3, Issue 16 8-24-04 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6AFD@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin August 24, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 16 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements. Strong Support For Low-Income Housing Policies in Latest NLIHC Poll "In the most recent NLIHC poll of likely voters, 65% of respondents say they saw, read or heard news about the housing problems of low-income people in the past month. Further, more than one quarter (27%) of respondents report having had trouble meeting their own housing expenses in the past year, a number that has grown slightly since November 2003. Thus it may not be surprising that when asked whether they agree or disagree with a series of statements about the role of government in addressing affordable housing problems, in all cases more than 65% of likely voters agree that government needs to invest in low-income housing. The most support is for low-income housing that is described as an "investment in the future;" 73% of likely voters said they support government investment in housing that allows low-income parents to provide decent homes for their children. Statements about the economic value of investing in low-income housing also have wide appeal. The statement that more affordable housing is needed for a "balanced economy" receives support from 70% of likely voters. Similarly, 69% feel the government should make certain that even low-wage workers are able to rent a decent apartment. Government housing policy designed to stem the decline of the middle class had the support of 65% of respondents." For complete results of the poll visit www.nlihc.org/research . (Source: NLIHC Memo to Members) National Housing Trust Fund--Action Needed! In a big step for the National Housing Trust Fund Campaign, three cosponsors of the legislation filed a motion for a discharge petition in and attempt to move the bill, H.R. 1102 to the floor of the House for debate and an up-or-down vote. The bill has been stalled in the Financial Services Committee so this discharge petition would "discharge" the committee of its responsibility in considering the bill. If a majority of House members sign the petition, the bill can come directly to the House floor. The discharge petition needs 218 signatures and nine more signatures are needed to complete the petition. Take action today! It is time to move this bill forward. See HousingMinnesota's Action Alert tool on our website www.housingminnesota.org to email or call your House member. For more information visit the National Housing Trust Fund web site at: www.nhtf.org . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources "Investing in a Better Future: A Review of the Fiscal and Competitive Advantages of Smarter Growth Development Patterns" From: THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTE Robert Puentes, a fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program, gave this speech at the National Building Museum August 16, 2004. "Robert Puentes' presentation argues that more compact development patterns and investments that strengthen urban centers, should save taxpayers' money and improve the economic performance of metropolitan regions." http://www.brookings.edu/metro/speeches/20040816_puentes.htm . (Source: The Brookings Alert) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events Various Dates, Times & Locations through September 14 Central Community Housing Trust's "Building Dreams" Presentation In an effort to increase awareness of our organization, Central Community Housing Trust has developed a program about the shortage of affordable housing and the ways in which our organization is responding to this community need. This short presentation is a way for us to tell our story and build a foundation of support. This is not a fundraising event. Please visit http://ccht.extranet.urbanplanet.com/index.asp?SEC=%7b4F2008BE-3981-4EFB -A536-9285484F3F95%7d&Type=B_BASIC for more information and to register. Various Dates Get to Know Us Tours 2004: More Than Housing September 14, October 12, November 9 and December 14, 4:00-5:00pm, Jackson Street Village, 1497 Jackson Street North, St. Paul. Discover what Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is doing to provide supportive housing for families, single adults and the elderly. For more information about the tours or to register, call Marni Harper at (651) 642-2099 or email her at mkh@wilder.org. Space is limited. September 27-28 Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Annual Conference "The Long Road Home...Are We There Yet?" Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge, Brainerd. This year marks MCH's 20th anniversary. While remembering the many thousands of people who have experienced homelessness during the past 20 years and the dedicated advocates working on their behalf, we will reflect on past accomplishments and future direction. We will learn from our setbacks and celebrate our successes. We will explore why we are still needed, and what skills, partnerships and actions it will take to finally Bring Minnesota Home! The conference also highlights best practices, including program models, state and local policies, and advocacy efforts that service providers are taking to end homelessness. For more information go to http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org or contact MCH at (612) 870-7073 or info@mnhomelesscoalition.org. September 28 South Metro Candidate Forum 7 - 9 p.m., Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville. HousingMinnesota supporters are strongly encouraged to attend this candidate forum for Minnesota House candidates from Districts 36, 37 and 38 and ask candidates questions about their positions on housing issues. The forum is sponsored by the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH). It is free and open to the public. For more information contact Tom Goldstein at (651) 649-1710 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org. September 29 District 56 Candidate Forum - Woodbury, Lake Elmo Area 7 - 9 p.m., Central Park, Valley Creek Room B, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury. Critical issues impact our communities every day. Housing opportunities, economic development, child care concerns and many other critical needs will be before the Minnesota Legislature in 2005 and beyond. Come and hear from the candidates-then ask the questions that matter to you. The event is free and open to the public. Contact Steve Boland at (651) 649-1710 ext. 122 or sboland@mhponline.org for more information and to register. September 30 South Central Minnesota Candidate Forum 6 - 8 p.m., St. James/Watonwan County Multicultural Learning Center and Public Library, 125 5th Street South, St. James. Please join us for an exciting, informative discussion about housing in the region and state. We will be presenting to and hearing from District 24 candidates for Minnesota House of Representatives about housing opportunities for all Minnesotans and homelessness issues. The event is free and open to the public. Candidates will be taking questions from the audience. Contact Steve Boland at (651) 649-1710 ext. 122 or sboland@mhponline.org for more information and to register. October 6 Rochester Area Candidate Forum 7 - 8:45 p.m., Rochester Public Library Auditorium, 101 2nd Street Southeast, Rochester. Critical issues impact our communities every day. Housing opportunities, economic development, child care concerns and many other critical needs will be before the Minnesota Legislature in 2005 and beyond. Come and hear from District 30 candidates-then ask the questions that matter to you. The event is free and open to the public. Candidates will be taking questions from the audience. Contact Steve Boland at (651) 649-1710 ext. 122 or sboland@mhponline.org for more information and to register. October 7 Owatonna/Faribault Area Candidate Forum 7 - 8:30 p.m., Cabela's 3900 Cabela Drive, Owatonna. Please join us for an exciting, informative discussion about housing in the region and state. We will be presenting to and hearing from District 26 candidates for Minnesota House of Representatives about housing opportunities for all Minnesotans and homelessness issues. The event is free and open to the public. Candidates will be taking questions from the audience. Contact Steve Boland at (651) 649-1710 ext. 122 or sboland@mhponline.org for more information and to register. October 7 District 21 Candidate Forum 7 - 9 p.m., Redwood Falls Public Library, 509 South Lincoln Street, Redwood Falls. Critical issues impact our communities every day. Housing opportunities, economic development, child care concerns and many other critical needs will be before the Minnesota Legislature in 2005 and beyond. Come and hear from the candidates-then ask the questions that matter to you. The event is free and open to the public. Candidates will be taking questions from the audience. Contact Steve Boland at (651) 649-1710 ext. 122 or sboland@mhponline.org for more information and to register. October 9 St. Cloud Area Candidate Fair 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Whitney Senior Center, 1527 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN. The fair will include candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives from Districts 14 and 15 in the Saint Cloud area, as well as candidates for local offices. HousingMinnesota supporters are encouraged to attend this event and ask their local candidates about their positions on important housing issues. The event is free and open to the public. Candidates will be taking questions from the audience. For more information contact Tom Goldstein at (651) 649-1710 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org. October 14-15 Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' 18th Annual Conference "Participation! Creating and Sustaining Engaged Communities" RiverCentre, 175 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul. "The theme, "Participation! Creating and Sustaining Engaged Communities" highlights how nonprofits must continually bring people into their organizations to serve in multiple roles --volunteers, board and staff members, donors, advocates and voters -- to be successful and effective." For more information go to www.mncn.org or contact MCN at (651) 642-1904 / (800) 289-1904 or info@mncn.org October 20 Rochester League of Women Voters State House Candidates Forum 7 - 8:30 p.m., Hill Theater, Rochester Community Technical College, 851 30th Avenue Southeast, Rochester. The forum will follow a traditional format with opening and closing statements from the District 30 candidates, a few prepared questions, and questions from the floor. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Kathy Maegerlein at (507) 287-1722 or kmaegerlein@spass.com. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan, Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org . -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mapnp.Geeks.ORG/pipermail/mhp-bulletin/attachments/20040824/446dc045/attachment.html