When A Community Responds: Losing Sleep, Losing Homes
On Tuesday, November 25, more than 300 individuals committed hour-long shifts to a twelve-hour vigil: Losing Sleep, Losing Homes. The vigil came in response to recent changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care program. Proposed changes would slash federal homelessness funding and would result in thousands of people displaced and a destabilized housing system—triggering an immediate rise in unsheltered homelessness as programs close and Minnesota’s homelessness response being severely disrupted.
Over 300 community members, including clergy, members of Beacon congregations, staff from other supportive housing and homelessness nonprofits, and others, acknowledged the moment and stood fast in defense of supportive housing in Minnesota and beyond, participating both virtually and in person at the Basilica of St. Mary, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the next day.
The vigil generated numerous media stories, bringing this issue to communities across Minnesota. Sponsored by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative and Catholic Charities Twin Cities, this event was convened by dedicated service providers and advocates who believe that everyone deserves a home. A special thank you to The Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, for hosting the event.
When Chris LaTondresse, Beacon President & CEO, asked his seven-year-old son, Hugo, what attending the vigil meant to him, he said, “Everybody deserves a home.” Chris explains, “He wasn’t trying to explain homelessness or solve it. He was reminding me why we gather, why we light candles, and why this work matters. At its core, this is about dignity, belonging, and our shared responsibility to care for one another.”
This vigil was critical in demonstrating to the public and elected officials the serious consequences of proposed federal changes: that the full-scale defunding of supportive housing would mean that supportive housing programs could close, and people who today have a safe home could be on the streets.
People came together for the community, the quiet reflection, and opportunities to act. We started each hour with a brief program, lighting a large candle, reading reflections or prayers shared by faith leaders, inviting participants to light a small candle and write to their elected officials.
The vigil drew people together in community and helped hold some of the immense grief and anger many are feeling about the proposed loss of federal funding for supportive housing and the consequences on the lives of our Minnesota neighbors.
Thanks to all who participated in and supported this visible action to defend federal funding for homes.
Below are links to press coverage related to the event. See our Events page for upcoming opportunities to continue to advocate for home.
