Homeless Prevention Programs
There are many homeless prevention programs taking place in our County and in our region. Providers within the community work together, and with the County, to insure that homeless individuals and families receive the emergency and on-going support they need to find permanent housing. Collaborations between multiple County departments, along with public and private agencies, are part of this large and inclusive project. Two programs receive staff support by the County Board through the Public Health & Human Services Department.
Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC)
The Continuum of Care (CoC) is a set of three competitively-awarded programs created to address the problems of homelessness in a comprehensive manner with other federal agencies. When the US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) publishes its notice for funding in the Federal Register, applicants must submit specific information about a proposed project, along with their Continuum of Care application. Each application must include a certification that the project is consistent with the Consolidated Plan of the jurisdiction where each proposed project is found. Our consolidated plan is Heading Home St. Louis County. St. Louis County coordinates the development of our COC by providing staff time and support.
2010 HUD Continuum of Care Awards for St. Louis County
2011 Continuum of Care New Project Pre-Application
2011 Continuum of Care New Project Pre-Application-Attachment 1
2011 Information Bulletin
Contact: Laura DeRosier: 218-725-5236 or derosierl@stlouiscountymn.gov
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
In 1993, the Minnesota Legislature established the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program to assist families who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. FHPAP is administered by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and represents a preventative approach to homelessness.
Legislation established a set of desired outcomes concerning the prevention of homelessness, including shortening the length of stay in emergency housing, and eliminating repeated periods of homelessness among families. This program, funded on a biennial basis, is designed to encourage and support innovation at the local, county, and regional level, to redesign the existing response system to homelessness, or to establish a comprehensive system.
FHPAP initiatives in St. Louis County provide three critical services. These are flex funds which can be used for deposits, moving expenses and other costs necessary to access and maintain permanent housing; stabilization services; and housing resource services. St. Louis County contracts with seven nonprofit agencies to provide these services across the county. In the first year of funding, stabilization services were able to prevent 79% of households served from becoming homeless.
Contact: Sheri Simmons: 218-726-2582 or simmons@stlouiscountymn.gov