Minnesota Launches Statewide Homelessness Response Plan

‘Crossroads to Justice’ provides a strategic, cross-agency roadmap to reducing the number of unhoused residents.

1 minute read

January 24, 2024, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View of Minnesota state capitol dome from side with leafy tree branches slightly obscuring view.

Minnesota state cpaitol in St. Paul, Minnesota. | Eldon / Adobe Stock

A plan dubbed ‘Crossroads to Justice’ aims to coordinate the response to homelessness across Minnesota agencies, reports Katelyn Vue in Sahan Journal.

The plan has a stated goal of reducing homelessness by 15 percent in the next two years and narrowing racial disparities in housing. “In Minnesota, Native Americans are 28 times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Latino whites, according to the plan. Several of the plan’s action steps highlight increasing funding opportunities and expanding relationships with tribal nations and urban tribal communities.”

According to Vue, “Agency-specific efforts range from better access to state workforce programs, to a pilot program to improve food assistance to those who cycle in and out of homelessness, to better housing and benefits for veterans, to more transitional housing for those leaving prison.”

Last year, the state pledged $2.6 billion to housing efforts. The plan is also the first of its kind to include people who have experienced homelessness as consultants to ensure the plan is developed and implemented in an equitable way that most effectively serves unhoused residents.

Monday, January 22, 2024 in Sahan Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of smartphone with USDOT website pulled up and screen with USDOT logo in background.

DOT Memo Directs Transportation Funding to Communities With Higher Marriage and Birth Rates, Compliance with Immigration Officials and No Mask Mandates

The memo ties immigration enforcement to federal funding and prohibits mask or vaccine mandates.

February 5, 2025 - Huffpost

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Aerial view of Kapi'olani Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Community Colleges: A Pathway for Native Hawaiian Achievement and Growth

The University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges provide Native Hawaiian students with transformative educational experiences, integrating academic success, cultural identity, and strong community support to help them find purpose and thrive.

February 14 - University of Hawai'i News

Los Angeles, California skyline against mountains at sunset.

Building Resilient Communities: Insights from the LA County Cities Summit

The Los Angeles County Cities Summit convened local leaders to share strategies for advancing sustainability, addressing climate resilience, extreme heat, and other pressing environmental challenges through policy and community-driven solutions.

February 14 - Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office

Green Flixbus bus parked on street in Los Angeles, California with palm trees and Hollywood buildings in background on sunny day.

Intercity Bus Ridership Grows Despite Service Cuts

Passengers continue to rely on intercity bus lines, even as cities shutter bus terminals and bus companies restructure to avoid financial failure.

February 14 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.