DEPARTMENT: Social Services
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Update On Homelessness Prevention Recommendations
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on homelessness prevention recommendations.
SUMMARY
In 2021, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners reconvened the Housing Leadership Workgroup to assess outcomes of the County’s Housing Business Plan and make recommendations for future housing initiatives and investments in Dakota County. The workgroup was made up of faith leaders, law enforcement, people who have experienced homelessness, nonprofit partners, Dakota County Commissioners, and staff from the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the County.
The workgroup recommended investments in three main areas to support the next phase of the Dakota County Housing Business Plan: shelter, homelessness prevention, and affordable housing. Staff presented these recommendations to the County Board on October 19, 2021. Staff have been returning to the County Board throughout 2022 with additional information and further defined recommendations in each of the three investment areas.
Social Services staff gathered feedback on important elements of homelessness prevention activities through a discussion and survey with members of Dakota County’s Affordable Housing Coalition and the community. The prevention activities prioritized through survey feedback include: 1) support for the Eviction Court Housing Clinic; 2) emergency rental assistance; 3) flexible prevention services, such as on-site staff at apartment buildings and other community locations throughout Dakota County; and 4) focused, countywide efforts to address disparities, including the income gap between white households and households of color, and promote upward economic mobility.
Staff presented initial research and recommendations on July 12, 2022. In this presentation, staff will summarize updated recommendations for 2023 and 2024 (Attachment: Prevention Proposal).
OUTCOMES
Prevent people from entering homelessness.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only; no action requested.end
EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Prevention Proposal
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☐ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☒ N/A
CONTACTS
Department Head: Evan Henspeter
Author: Madeline Kastler