Committee backs $35 million request to expand family homelessness prevention program
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Summary
Sen. Bolden’s bill (Senate File 3614) would provide $35 million for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP); advocates testified the program prevents homelessness and demand far exceeds current funding. The committee recommended the bill to the Finance Committee by voice vote.
Sen. Sandra Bolden asked the committee to support Senate File 3614, a funding request to increase Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) resources by $35 million. Bolden cited a January 2026 Minnesota Housing Finance Agency estimate that low‑income households are collectively about 260,000 months behind on rent and said the $35 million would represent a targeted step toward addressing an estimated $350 million need for emergency rental assistance.
"This is a program that is proven," Sen. Bolden said, describing FHPAP as a flexible, regional grant program that helps keep families housed and reduces costs to public systems by preventing homelessness.
Tavon (Von) Grayson, an advocacy fellow with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and a survivor who had used FHPAP, told the committee the program provided short‑term financial assistance and supportive services that helped them move from homelessness into stable housing. "When FHPAP is funded well, it keeps families out of homelessness," Grayson said.
Randy Callahan, director of community supports at 3 Rivers Community Action, described FHPAP as a local delivery mechanism that prevented families from entering shelter and said his organization administered more than $6 million in FHPAP funding last biennium; he said demand consistently outpaces available resources and staff are forced to prioritize among eligible households.
Committee members praised the testimony and approved a motion to recommend SF3614 to the Finance Committee. The chair noted the finance chair will carry a supplemental budget bill and that this request will be considered as part of that process.
What’s next: The bill was recommended to the Finance Committee for consideration and potential inclusion in a supplemental budget package; sponsors said they will continue outreach to committee members about budget priorities.