Ending Homelessness in Minnesota Cathy ten Broeke State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

One Night Study – Wilder Research 10,214 3,546 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Who is homeless in Minnesota? Nearly half of all people homeless in the state are children and youth (46%) Adult males (22 or older) make up 29% of all people experiencing homelessness in the state Adult Females (22 or older) make up 25% of all people experiencing homelessness in the state 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Changes since the 2009 study 6% increase since 2009 More older adults More children Drop in homeless veterans and long term homeless single adults 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What has not changed? Inability to afford housing Long-term health issues Violence and exploitation Traumatic experiences in childhood Transition years (15-21) are time of greatest risk Racial disparities 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Not enough affordable housing 40% of study participants on waiting list 15% more cannot get on because they are closed 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Housing affordability gap Monthly median income Metro $381 Greater MN $403 Fair market rent Metro $745 Greater MN $531 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Chronic health conditions are common 55% 51% 22% 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Violence towards homeless women Homeless women report: 48% have stayed in an abusive relationship 27% left last housing because of abuse 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Youth on their own age 21 and younger account for 1,151 homeless 58% have been in placement 55% have been abused or neglected 60% of youth have had at least one parent incarcerated 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Racial disparities 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What do we know today? Recession has had a big impact There is not enough affordable housing Many who are homeless today have barriers to living independently The path to adulthood is rocky for some youth Poverty is still concentrated among people of color, disparities are still large 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What gives us hope? Some improvement among groups targeted for solutions Single long-term homeless adults Veterans Children are able to get to and stay in school Newly allocated money in Minnesota for housing Solutions that address systems, not just individuals 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness Corrections Education Employment and Economic Development Health Higher Education Housing Human Rights Human Services Public Safety Transportation Veterans Affairs Governor’s Office Vision: Prevent and End Homelessness for All Minnesotans 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Why is this important for Minnesota? Housing stability is a platform for better educational outcomes for our children, a stronger workforce both now and in the future, increased public safety, better health, reduced health care costs, and reduced disparities among populations. 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What do we mean by “ending” homelessness? “Ending Homelessness” means that we will prevent homelessness whenever possible and if a family or individual does become homeless we will have a crisis response system to assess their needs and provide them the opportunity to quickly access stable housing. It does not mean that no one ever again will experience homelessness. 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What can we do? Prevent homelessness whenever possible, especially at transition points from adult and youth systems of care. Reduce barriers and increase access to mainstream resources (health care, disability, public housing, TANF, etc.) for people at-risk or experiencing homelessness. Improve effectiveness of existing resources by improving the coordination/compatibility of resources so that assistance provided best meets the needs of the individual or family. Improve targeting of existing resources to ensure that we are utilizing existing resources in the most effective ways possible. Highest cost, most in-depth services should be targeted to people who need them the most. 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

What can we do? Improve our data, both quality and access, and use it to drive policy. Reduce disparities through culturally responsible actions and approaches. Increase investments in what we know works (evidence-based solutions), such as housing with services. Align with and build on our work with the Federal plan (to leverage additional resources) and local community and tribal plans to end homelessness. Increase public education/information, awareness, and engagement. 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM

Contact Information: Cathy ten Broeke Cathy.tenbroeke@state.mn.us 651-248-5799 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM