Beacons Of Hope Meeting In Two Harbors To Discuss Homeless Problems Facing Minnesota Families
On January 11th from 5:30-7:30pm Beacons of Hope is hosting a community event at the Moose Lodge that will include an overview of MFIP, a panel will share their experience with the program and the evening will close with a group activity designed to help those in attendance influence legislative action on the level of assistance families are eligible for.
Panel Members Jillousie Simonson and Jamie Harthan live, work and play in the Two Harbors area. They will share their stories and also work with those in attendance to influence legislation in regard to the level of assistance offered by the MFIP program.
The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is an economic safety net for 70,000 children and their parents but it has NOT increased since 1986. It provides employment support and temporary cash assistance to children and their parents who are striving toward full-time employment. Many low-wage working parents do not qualify for unemployment insurance when they lose work. Instead, they must turn to MFIP for time-limited help. The program has eroded under inflation. Parents enrolled in MFIP struggle to find stable housing, afford gas to get to work, and provide other basic needs for their families. Their children face challenges in their early development and at school.