DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Housing & Community Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Execute Contract With Dakota Woodlands For Emergency Shelter Services
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a contract with Dakota Woodlands for emergency shelter services.
SUMMARY
The Social Services Department manages a continuum of housing services. Services are operated through direct service delivery, contracts and joint powers agreements. Contracted services include street outreach, emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, apartment services and services at eviction court. Dakota County conducts a Request for Proposal (RFP) process every four years for contracted housing services. Housing continuum services are funded by various funding sources including levy, state grants, federal grants, and Affordable Housing Aid (AHA).
In 2025, staff issued an RFP for emergency shelter services. A review committee from Social Services reviewed and scored proposals. See attached for service descriptions and determination of success for each contractor (Attachment: Solicitation Summary - Emergency Shelter Services).
Dakota Woodlands currently receives funding from three Dakota County sources: Emergency Assistance through Dakota County Employment and Economic Assistance, a pass-through grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and county levy through Dakota County Social Services.
Dakota County leadership received a request from Dakota Woodlands for additional operating funding. Ehlers Public Finance Advisors completed an analysis of the Dakota Woodlands finances and determined that it costs $213 per family per day for Dakota Woodlands to provide shelter in additional to transportation, childcare, food, etc. The annual revenues support $166 per family per day. Providing an additional $300,000 per year from Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) will help fill that gap while Dakota Woodlands pursues additional foundation s...
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