Thanks to the Local Homeless Prevention Aid program created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2021, Goodhue County’s Social Services Department has made major strides over the last year in implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce youth homelessness.
Social Services Supervisor Katie Quinn updated the County Board on Goodhue County’s use of program funds, which were first allocated last year based on a formula weighted toward numbers provided by local school districts on students experiencing homelessness.
Goodhue County received $66,992 in funds last year and $72,707 this year, with the grant paid out in two installments in July and December. In total, $20 million was allocated to counties and tribal governments across the state in both 2023 and 2024.
To ensure this funding gets to those who need it most, the county is expanding its Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP). Families with school aged children are potentially eligible for help under the new program, even if they are currently merely “at risk” of homelessness.
A county social worker is tasked with determining the eligibility of each individual family, based on factors such as whether a family is living in overcrowded conditions and whether they spend more than 50% of their income on rent.
Quinn noted that some families are already connected with a Goodhue County social worker who can help them access the aid. However, a significant number of families identified for help under the new program are not already on the rolls for assistance.
PSOP case managers take a comprehensive approach towards helping families in need, not only providing them temporary assistance with housing but also medical referrals, access to childcare assistance, medical support and food support.
While receiving funding under the LHPA program, families must work on a formal case plan with their social worker. Funding is approved only in 90 day increments, with case reviews after 65 days, but can be extended if need be.
Last year, rental assistance and transitional housing were provided to 48 county residents at a cost of just over $30,000. The program can also be used to cover hotel assistance for families waiting to get into permanent housing.
Board member Brad Anderson praised Goodhue County HHS for providing a comprehensive, integrated response for those in need, in part by collaborating with Goodhue County Public Health and the South Country Health Alliance.
The county received additional funding through the Statewide Affordable Housing Aid Program, which seeks to aid families facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness by helping local governments to develop and preserve affordable housing.
In both 2023 and 2024, Goodhue County received $131,220 in program funding with Red Wing specifically allocated another $95,500. This year, funding will be paid out in two installments in July and December, compared to just a single lump sum payment in December last year.
Through the “Bring it Home” initiative, Goodhue County and its partner SEMMCHRA (the Southern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority) are seeking to utilize more than $650,000 in available aid to boost local affordable housing projects.
Goodhue County partnered with SEMMCHRA in 2018 to establish an Affordable Housing Trust Fund with the goal of increasing the availability of affordable housing locally by helping to cover the costs of rehabilitation and new construction.
Applications are due by April 1 and will be reviewed by SEMMCHRA’s staff and board as well as the Goodhue County Affordable Housing Trust Committee, with recommendations made based on factors such as readiness, impact and cost.
All projects must meet income guidelines, defined as 80% of area median income for rental or single family rehabilitation and 115% of median area income for single family new construction. Final projects are expected to be approved at the County Board’s April meeting.
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