Submit Your Housing Story!
Every Minnesotan should be able to find a home that fits their needs and that they can afford. Minnesota needs 100,000 new homes, and this shortage is what is driving up the cost to own or rent. The Yes to Homes coalition is working to change this, and to do so we need your help!
We want to ensure all conversations about the Yes to Homes bills keep real-life Minnesotans at the center. Sharing a personal story can be the difference between our bills being successful and passing or getting voted down in a legislative committee.
You can submit your story in two ways:
Option 1:
Submit your written housing story and/or your unique perspective related to homes in Minnesota using this form. Some starting points could be:
How has having more abundant home options benefited you?
How has a lack of abundant home options harmed you?
How would having more abundant options for homes in Minnesota benefit you?
Option 2:
Pick one of the prompts below and record a 15-60 second video. Don’t worry about writing a script or needing professional equipment. Just speak naturally, as we want your own story in your own words. Then upload the video using this form.
Prompt 1: Your Housing Story: Begin with, “My name is _____ from <City>, and…”, then share a personal housing experience. This could include:
A memory of buying or moving into your first home.
What homeownership meant to you or your family.
Your experience trying to find a home you could afford.
Difficulty finding housing in the community you wanted to live in.
How housing costs have affected where you or your family can live.
What you hope future homebuyers will have the opportunity to experience.
Prompt 2: Why You Support More Housing: Begin with, “My name is _____ from <City>, and I support more homes because…”, then explain, in your own words, why creating more housing opportunities matters to you, your family, your community, or Minnesota. This could include:
Giving first-time buyers a chance to own a home.
Helping young families stay in the communities they love.
Making it easier for seniors to find housing that meets their needs.
Creating more choices at different price points.
Allowing the next generation to build a life in Minnesota.
Making housing more attainable for people who work in our communities.
Nervous about recording a video? Here are some tips to make it easier:
Keep it simple. A phone camera is more than enough.
Face a window or another light source whenever possible. Avoid having a bright window directly behind you, which can make your face appear dark.
Your home, walking through your neighborhood, workplace, jobsite, or community can also provide a natural setting that helps tell your story.
Try to record somewhere quiet. Avoid wind, traffic, televisions, HVAC noise, or crowded rooms. Keep your phone close enough that your voice comes through clearly.
Hold or position your phone at eye level. Look into the camera rather than at your image on the screen.
Record vertically unless otherwise instructed. Frame yourself from roughly the chest up and leave a little space above your head.
Speak naturally rather than reading from a script. It is fine to pause, restart, or record a few versions. The strongest videos will sound like you! It shouldn’t sound like an ad.
Aim for 30-45 seconds. Videos can be as short as 15 seconds but should not exceed 60 seconds.
Keep it to one idea per video. You do not need to explain the entire housing issue in 60 seconds. Focus on one story, experience, or reason that matters to you.