LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D–Lansing) has introduced four bills that seek to remove barriers for survivors of violence and strengthen avenues to prevent homelessness.
According to a news release shared by Dievendorf, House Bills 5439 and 5440 would create a Homeless Advocacy Fund, supported by residents who could voluntarily check a section on their income tax returns to contribute.
These contributions would be directed to the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, a statewide organization that works to improve systems and support community members to prevent homelessness.
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House Bill 5438 would waive fees for records for people who are or are attempting to flee a dangerous situation involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. In a similar vein, House Bill 5437 would waive fees for state IDs for individuals fleeing or attempting to flee violent situations.
“Homelessness is not an inevitability,” Dievendorfsaid in a news release sent to 6 News. “It is something that we can fix with proper policies that are both common sense and empathetic to the position many Michiganders find themselves in. Homelessness is a societal issue, and it is going to require all of us working together to address it.”…