First Universalist Housing Justice Update

Thanks to our members who participated in Housing Advocacy.  We leveraged our collective voices by joining Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in support of the $100 million bonding bill at the State Legislature.  This bill would fund create new affordable housing and renovations, maintain supportive housing, and move people out of homelessness across Minnesota.  The need is great — over 600,000 Minnesotans pay more than 30% of their income for housing.  Over 14,000 Minnesotans are homeless on any given night; half are children and youth.  The lack of a stable, healthy home impacts children’s health, how well they do in school, and the stability of their family and neighborhood. Ultimately, our society pays the cost of this neglect when we ignore the cheaper, early, ethical interventions.

Housing Postcards, March 29:  Nearly 200 congregants signed 400 Housing Postcards after services.  Dressed in “Construction Gear”, they posed with their families and signed postcards that were delivered to State Legislators by Twin Cities Habitat.  The photos will make you smile, or even laugh!  Go to Twin Cities Habitat’s Facebook page to see the photos: https://www.facebook.com/tchabitat/photos_albums

Habitat on the Hill, April 8:  Thirteen congregants, including Rev. Jen Crow, were among 200 people advocating for affordable housing at the Capitol. Twin Cities Habitat leaders even gave a shout out to the House That Love Built and our church.  Participants heard from housing leaders and met with Legislators.  A bonus was a meeting with Governor Dayton, who supports affordable housing so all Minnesotans can have the opportunity to thrive.  It was a great day! Visit Twin Cities Habitat’s Facebook page to see more photos of the day.