Refugees and the affordable housing crisis in Minnesota

Almost everyday we hear that Minnesota needs more affordable housing.  Just this week the Drake Hotel, home to over 30 low income families burned down leaving over 200 people in need of low income housing.

According to Wilder Research, an organization that tracks homelessness in Minnesota, in 2018 there were 10,233 people homeless in Minnesota. Now another 200 were added.

Minnesota is a generous State, but one has to ask what is our priority? 

According to a Pioneer Press article, "Minnesota has the highest number of refugees per capita nationwide, according to the U.S. Census and refugee-support agencies. With 2 percent of the nation’s population, Minnesota has 13 percent of its refugees."

According to the same article, 

"Minnesota accepted 3,059 refugees from other countries in 2016, according to the Department of Human Services...

Minnesota accepted 4,523 refugees in the two-year period ending Sept. 30, 2015, according to the federal Office of Refugee Settlement. But at the same time, a second wave arrived — 3,864 refugees who moved from other states to Minnesota." 

Recently President Trump made an Executive order requiring consent from States and Counties before resettling refugees. Minnesota Governor Walz response was "The Inn is not full." 

When a refugee comes to Minnesota they get housing, medical, food stamps and more. According to a University of Notre Dame professor the cost is over $107,000 per refugee.

Ask yourself, with over 10,000 homeless citizens, why should a refugee receive priority in housing? How can Governor Walz declare there's room in the inn? I'm betting he didn't ask the 10,000 homeless Minnesotans.