Supportive Housing

Housing Support, formerly known as Group Residential Housing (GRH), is a state-funded income supplement to help older adults and people with disabilities who have low incomes pay for their housing expenses. In order to prevent and/or reduce homelessness or institutionalization and promote housing stability, Housing Support provides financial support for rent, utilities, household needs, food, and services for eligible individuals.

Housing Support is authorized when the:

1. Person is eligible to receive Housing Support
2. Provider has an active Housing Support Agreement with the county or tribe
3. Place satisfies all settings requirements (i.e., lease, applicable licensure or registration, completed habitability inspections)

A person is eligible to receive Housing Support room/board if they:

1. are age 18 or older with a certified disability or disabling condition or are age 65 or older
2. have low income and low assets
3. reside in a setting authorized by the county or tribe with a Housing Support Agreement

To qualify to receive Housing Support supplemental services, a person must also require assistance in two of the following four areas:

1. Tenancy supports (Example: maintaining tenant responsibilities, conflict negotiation, etc.)
2. Supportive services (example: budgeting, cooking, cleaning, hygiene, monitoring of overall well-being, etc.)
3. Employment supports (Example: find and maintain job)
4. Health supervision services (Example: Ensuring medication accessibility, assistance with scheduling appointments, etc.)

The Housing Support provider does not need to be the one providing these services, rather the provider assists residents to get their needs met- sometimes providing services and other times referring and coordinating care for individuals.

Housing Support is used in 2 different types of settings

1. Group settings are places where meals are provided on site, staff are present, and services are provided. Typically, these include Board and Lodges.  For a list of North and South SLC Board and Lodges, click here: North and South BL LIST

2. Community Settings are typically smaller scattered sites, require a lease and the individual is typically eligible for food support through the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (pending individual eligibility). Services are also provided. Typically, these are Long Term Homeless Supportive Housing programs.  In addition to the above requirements, an individual also must qualify as long term homeless (1 year continuous or 4 times in 3 years) For a list of LTH providers, please click here: North and South LTH LIST

Housing Support is used in 2 different types of settings

1. Group settings are places where meals are provided on site, staff are present, and services are provided. Typically, these include Board and Lodges.  For a list of North and South SLC Board and Lodges, click here: North and South BL LIST

2. Community Settings are typically smaller scattered sites, require a lease and the individual is typically eligible for food support through the supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (pending individual eligibility). Services are also provided. Typically, these are Long Term Homeless Supportive Housing programs.  In addition to the above requirements, an individual also must qualify as long term homeless (1 year continuous or 4 times in 3 years) For a list of LTH providers, please click here: North and South LTH LIST

If you are interested in becoming a Housing Support provider

1. Contact the Housing Support Programs Team (HSPT) at 218.726.2120 or email HousingSupportPrograms@StLouisCountyMN.gov

2. Attend the Housing Support Provider Orientation Part I held virtually on September 11^th from 1-3pm to learn more about the Housing Support program, provider requirements, program policies and priorities. 

   • Email The HSPT for a meeting invite. 

   • An overview of next steps will be discussed at this meeting

3. This will be the final time applications will be accepted in 2025.  The next orientation/opportunity to apply will not be until early 2026

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If your complaint is concerning Housing Support services:

Individuals are encouraged to first bring complaints or areas of concern directly to the provider as soon as possible. Individuals may also report concerns to the PHHS Housing Support Programs Team (HSPT) via Housing Support Complaint Form, email (HousingSupportPrograms@StLouisCountyMN.Gov ), or telephone (218-726-2120).

If the individual(s) does not feel comfortable bringing the concern to the attention of the provider, they may notify the HSPT. The HSPT:

1. 1. may re-direct the individual back to the provider to resolve the issue at the lowest level and follow the program’s grievance policy and procedures.
   2. may look into the complaint and initiate a meeting with the Provider and individual with the complaint in attempts to come to a resolution.

If this is concerning tenant/landlord rights, please contact:

Justice North: 877-696-6529

HOME Line: 866-866-3546

Tenant Landlord Connection:  218-727-5372

If you are concerned about a safety issue, please contact:

911

988 (for Emotional or Mental Health Support)

MN Adult Abuse Reporting Center: 1-844-880-1574

MN Day One Crisis Line (domestic violence, trafficking, or sexual violence): 1-866-223-1111

Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA):  218-726-1931

If you are concerned about the condition of the unit/facility, please contact:

Life Safety (City of Duluth): 218-730-4380

Virginia (property complaints): 218-748-7500

MDH: 1-800-383-9808