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Gov. Whitmer Proclaims November as Homeless Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?

November 12, 2021?? 

Contact:?Press@Michigan.gov?? 

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims November as Homeless Awareness Month 

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring November 2021 as Homeless Awareness Month in Michigan. 

"Every Michiganders deserves a safe, affordable place to call home," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Housing is about so much more than a roof over your head. It's also about the dignity, stability and opportunity that home provides. In Michigan, we made great progress in reducing homelessness by 19% last year, but there is still work to be done, and I have a plan to make critical investments in affordable housing to increase access and opportunity." 

"With coordination of federal, state and local resources and the unwavering support of our partners, we made great strides in reducing homelessness during an unprecedented time in Michigan's history," said Kelly Rose, MSHDA's chief housing solutions officer and chair of the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness. "Taking what we learned during these most challenging of circumstances will guide us as we chart a course for bringing a functional end to homelessness--making  it rare, brief and non-recurring." 

In her MI New Economy plan, Governor Whitmer laid out a goal of having 75,000 new or rehabilitated housing units within the next five years. This transformational investment would?put Michiganders first by?expanding?access to safe and affordable housing, helping?close equity gaps, and supporting?the development of vibrant communities. 

Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer announced her proposal to make an historic investment in affordable housing that addresses the health, safety, and well-being of Michigan residents and communities grappling with unique and varied housing needs. The proposal would assist 6,000 Michiganders, produce 2,000 rental housing units, and leverage an additional $380 million in private funding, while creating 1,600 good-paying jobs. 

Click here to read the full proclamation and here to review the 2020 Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness annual report 

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