DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Housing & Community Resources
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Apply For Department Of Human Services Innovation Grant Funds
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize application for Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Innovation grant funds.
SUMMARY
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, people with disabilities experience homelessness at a rate that is two and half times higher than that of the overall population in the United States. This disparity is driven by a shortage of affordable, accessible, and integrated housing options, as well as the complex navigation required to secure such housing.
Demand for Dakota County's emergency shelter exceeds available capacity and current referral data shows that requests for shelter are double the number of beds available. Without targeted assistance, these residents may remain in shelter longer, experience worsening health and instability, and are at higher risk of using crisis systems in the future. Dakota County operates two emergency shelters, one for families and one for single adults. Dakota County's single's shelter consistently serves people with disabilities who need support with housing navigation.
Dakota County is seeking state funding through the DHS Innovation Grant to help cover the costs of housing search and short-term support services for single adults with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness and staying in emergency shelter. This project will provide individualized, disability-informed and culturally responsive assistance to residents with disabilities who are eligible to receive Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and (or) Housing Support funding and who may face barriers to securing stable housing, including limited income, accessibility needs, and difficulty navigating complex housing systems.
This funding would allow Dakota County to deliver services to approximately 50-60 clients annually withi...
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