HousingMinnesota Bulletin - Volume 3, Issue 16 8-24-04

Tue Aug 24 09:20:27 CDT 2004

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
<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 <http://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 <http://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 <http://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
<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 at 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
<http://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/>  or contact MCH at (612) 870-7073
or info at 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 at 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 at 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 at 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 at 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 at 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 at 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 at 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 <http://www.mncn.org/>  or contact MCN at (651) 642-1904 /
(800) 289-1904 or info at mncn.org <mailto:info at 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 at spass.com.

 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Looking for something from the last Bulletin??  

Archived issues are available online at:
http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm
<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 at mhponline.org
<mailto:rcallanan at mhponline.org>  or see HousingMinnesota's website at
www.housingminnesota.org <http://www.housingminnesota.org/>  . 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mapnp.Geeks.ORG/pipermail/mhp-bulletin/attachments/20040824/446dc045/attachment.html