Legal Aid responds to termination of housing support program – Statement

STATEMENT (Minneapolis, Minn): As the Department of Human Services seeks reforms to the Housing Stabilization Supports program, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid offers these comments.

“We cannot afford to continue the HSS program in its current form but we cannot ignore the HSS goals that will help overcome the systemic housing barriers that prevent the reintegration of many people with disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who need assistance to find and keep stable housing so our family members, friends, and colleagues can become contributing and valued members of our communities. A redesigned and effective HSS program must recognize and support the value of these adversely affected members of our communities who need the assistance that HSS could provide to be part of our civic life.” – Housing Attorney, Dorinda Wider, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

“We understand that DHS intends to redesign and relaunch HSS program services. MDLC’s experience with DHS is that roll-out of new programs can take months if not years. In the meantime, housing searches for people with disabilities wanting to leave institution-like and provider controlled settings will be set back, likely for years. Having to live in segregated settings like group homes will also foster and solidify behaviors unhelpful in living more independently. Put simply, our clients cannot afford to lose time in moving to more integrated housing settings. DHS should continue HSS services to eligible individuals, particularly those with high needs during the program redesign process.” – Legal Director Anne Robertson, Minnesota Disability Law Center of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid

Read letters in their entirety at the links below.

• HSS Comment – Mid-MN Legal Aid Housing Unit
• HSS Comment – Mid-MN Legal Aid Minnesota Disability Law Center