I Want Bonds that Build Homes!
I’m one of the lucky ones. I grew up in a stable, loving home and have never worried about where I would sleep tonight. That is not the case with so many families, singles and young people.
The more I have worked with Beacon’s Families Moving Forward (FMF) and supported Beacon’s residences like 66 West, the more I have become aware of how important stable living conditions are to the rest of one’s life. I have met families who are determinedly working with FMF toward being able to have a home of their own, and have talked with the young people who can move forward with their lives, employment and/or education because they now have a safe and affordable Beacon apartment.
With the knowledge learned through these interactions, becoming part of the collaborative of congregations that are working toward the passage of “Bonds that Build Homes” has increased my energy and determination to pass the MN Bonding bill. Each signature that is added to the “Bonds that Build Homes” petition; each person who fills out the registration card committing to attending the Legislative Actions; each ring that is added to the “chains” to draw attention to the campaign, represents one more person who has become aware of the importance of affordable housing not only to individual families and other people experiencing homelessness – young and old – but to our whole communities.
Our legislators will see our strength in numbers at the Legislative Actions and hear our passion that will not stop until everyone in Minnesota has a safe and affordable home of their own. The more I think about it, the more I realize that the families and others who have found support through Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative are also definitely part of “the lucky ones”. I ask everyone who reads this or hears about “Bonds that Build Homes” to stand up, raise your hand and your voice to ask your legislator to commit his or her support to passing this bill….and ask at least one more person to join you!
Blessings,
Pam DeLaittre
Edina Morningside Community Church (UCC)
