Senate committee hears pleas to fund New Pathways’ employment supports for families experiencing homelessness

Senator Gustafson presented Senate File 3802 to the Jobs Committee, asking the panel to consider one‑time funding to expand New Pathways Incorporated’s pre‑employment and job‑readiness services for families experiencing homelessness.

"New Pathways has served families with children experiencing homelessness in Central Minnesota for 26 years," Gustafson said, outlining services such as resume development, mock interviews and supports that remove barriers to employment like transportation and childcare.

Mary Westland, executive director of New Pathways, testified that the program’s shelter plus employment supports resulted in 76% of families moving into permanent housing last year and that state funds would allow the organization to double the number of people served in pre‑employment programming. "This investment would allow New Pathways to significantly expand our pre‑employment and job readiness programming," Westland said.

Shannon Esposito, identified as a former family served by New Pathways, described how staff helped with budgeting, interview preparation and barriers removal that led to stable employment and improved outcomes for her children. "They had my back and pushed me to be a better me," Esposito said.

Committee fiscal staff noted no recent appropriations to New Pathways in the past three biennia. Senators expressed support and several offered to join as co‑authors; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. Committee members requested further fiscal detail before approving funding.

Next steps: the committee will keep the bill on the table for possible inclusion; proponents emphasized the program’s role in connecting housing stability with workforce participation.