SF 255

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 01/23/2015 08:22am

A bill for an act
relating to human services; appropriating money for a connection center facility.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
new text end

new text begin The legislature finds and declares that the goal of housing stability for all Minnesotans
is consistent with the state's responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its
citizens. Homelessness is the most serious form of housing instability. While the numbers
of Minnesotans experiencing homelessness persists at unprecedented levels since before
the great recession, and proven strategies are being effectively used to solve homelessness
consistent with the 2013 state plan to prevent and end homelessness, the state has and
should continue to invest in these strategies. The legislature finds and declares that a unique
opportunity now exists to build upon past investments and advance proven and innovative
strategies to prevent and end homelessness by funding construction of a connection and
opportunity center as part of a broad and comprehensive public private partnership.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CONNECTION CENTER.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated in the 2016-2017 biennium from the general fund to the
commissioner of human services for a grant to Catholic Charities of St. Paul and
Minneapolis for the purpose of funding a homeless prevention and solution facility. This
appropriation may be used to cover up to one-half of the project cost. The remaining cost
must be paid from nonstate sources. The grant may be used to predesign, design, construct,
furnish, and equip a connection center to serve as an integrated one-stop delivery system
connecting persons at risk of becoming homeless, and persons working to move up and
out of homelessness, to services that improve their health, income, housing stability, and
well-being. This appropriation may be used to acquire property for these purposes.
new text end