Advocate

Your voice is powerful. When you use it to advocate on behalf of policies and funding priorities that support our work, you can help ensure that people experiencing mental illness and homelessness have access to housing, employment, and care they need.

Guild is a proud member of the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN): a broad coalition that advocates for a statewide mental health system that is of high quality, accessible, and has stable funding. The organizations in the MHLN all work together to create visibility on mental health issues, act as a clearinghouse on public policy issues, and pool our knowledge, resources, and strengths to create change.

Advocacy is our North Star — the tool that will truly unlock our mission of helping our clients lead stable, fulfilling lives in their chosen community. Learn more about how to get involved and sign up for our email list to stay up to date as we head into the legislative session. 

The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session began on February 17, 2026. This year will look a little different than last. The 2026 session is expected to be shorter and focus on bonding and infrastructure, with fewer major policy changes. 

Our Advocacy Priorities

We are currently asking legislators to invest in these critically important services.  

Sustain the Gain: Supportive Housing & Homelessness Services

Due to federal priority shifts and changes to state funding, we must protect the progress we’ve made. Sustain the Gain is a priority of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, addressing the urgent need for permanent investment in housing. Guild is a member of the coalition. 

Supportive housing is the backbone of stability for those with the highest needs. This funding doesn’t just provide roofs; it safeguards the entire emergency response, outreach, and data systems that keep our communities functioning. No single county or provider can do this alone. 

Support Continued Funding for Employment Services (IPS)

Employment is a cornerstone of recovery. Each year, about 1,000 Minnesotans receive Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services — a model proven to be more effective than traditional vocational programs. One-third of these services are currently funded with one-time dollars from 2025.

This temporary funding will soon run out. We need permanent investment to ensure Minnesotans with mental illness can continue to find and keep competitive jobs.

Protect Access to Medicaid

Additional information and legislative talking points to come. Stay tuned!

Preserve Services as Fraud Issues Are Addressed

Additional information and legislative talking points to come. Stay tuned!

Maintain Critical Behavioral Health Grant Funding

Additional information and legislative talking points to come. Stay tuned!

Contact your legislators today and let them know that Minnesotans want to invest in Supportive Housing and Employment Services (IPS). These programs are proven to be cost-effective, and more importantly,  the most effective for the people they serve. 

Upcoming Events 

• Homeless Day on the Hill is coming up on March 11, 2026. This year, the program will be virtual to make the event as safe and accessible as possible. Register to visit with your legislator here. Hosts will then schedule meetings with relevant legislators based on the home address you provide. The deadline to register for these lawmaker visits is Tuesday, February 24th.
  • Homeless Day on the Hill is organized by the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. Guild is proud to partner with them to advocate for policies that aim to make our state better for everyone. 
• Join us for Mental Health Advocacy Week from March 23–26 as we fight to “Keep the Door Open for Mental Health Care.” Throughout the week, participants can engage in legislative visits, attend a virtual policy briefing, and help amplify mental health messaging across the state. There will be a rally at the capital in honor of Mental Health Day on the Hill on March 26. Learn more and register here.
  • Mental Health Advocacy Week and Mental Health Day on the Hill are organized by the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN). Guild is a member of MHLN.