South Chapter - December Report
submitted by Renee Pfenning
MICAH South continues the partnership with Dakota County, several organizations providing shelter and services to homeless and inadequately housed persons in Dakota County. Including these highlights:
Dakota County has opened Aspen House, a short-term shelter for youth in Mendota Heights.
Leadership Team members provided support for the county by attending a Community Engagement meeting to present information on needs and plans for permanent shelters in Dakota County. The county is moving forward with plans for developing a shelter for single adults and currently searching for sites. Community support will be critical to moving approvals for a shelter forward and help with be needed.
An ongoing relationship with Cahlill Place, an apartment housing formerly homeless families in Inver Grove Heights. We are hoping to sponsor and share a picnic for the residents in summer 2023.
Natividad Seefeld and David Anderson met with the MICAH South Leadership Team in November to share what is happening regarding owners and residents in manufactured home communities. New owners, often corporations, are imposing new and strict rules and increasing lot rents that are imposing hardships on many residents. MICAH is working with the legislature on bills to help all manufactured home communities in the state.
Linda Soderstrom, MICAH board member, has been joining our meetings, providing valuable viewpoints and support.