2024 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 256K. SERVICES FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES AND YOUTH

256K.01 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.015 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.02 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.03 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.04 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.05 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.06 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.07 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.08 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.09 [Repealed, 2002 c 220 art 16 s 3]

256K.10 GRANTS FOR PERSONS WITH SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS.

Subdivision 1.Statewide program.

The commissioner shall establish a statewide program to assist counties in providing services to persons with serious and persistent mental illness as defined in section 245.462, subdivision 20. The commissioner shall make grants to counties to establish, operate, or contract with private providers to provide services designed to help persons with serious and persistent mental illness remain and function in their own communities. Grants received pursuant to this section may be used to fund community support services programs as specified in section 245.462, subdivision 6, and case management activities that cannot be billed to the medical assistance program under sections 256B.02, subdivision 8, and 256B.0625.

Subd. 2.Grant application.

To apply for a grant a county board shall submit an application and budget for the use of the money in the form specified by the commissioner. The commissioner shall make grants only to counties whose applications and budgets are approved by the commissioner. A county receiving a grant under this section shall finance at least ten percent of the cost of services for persons with serious and persistent mental illness from local resources, which may include private contributions and federal money.

Subd. 3.Allocation of grants.

The commissioner shall allocate grants under this section to finance up to 90 percent of each county's costs for services to persons with serious and persistent mental illness. The commissioner shall promulgate permanent rules to govern grant applications, approval of applications, allocation of grants, and maintenance of financial statements by grant recipients. The commissioner shall specify requirements for reports, including quarterly fiscal reports, according to section 256.01, subdivision 2, paragraph (p). The commissioner shall require collection of data and periodic reports as the commissioner deems necessary to demonstrate the effectiveness of the services in helping persons with serious and persistent mental illness remain and function in their own communities.

Subd. 4.Grant calendar year.

For calendar year 1992 and all subsequent years, the commissioner shall allocate the money appropriated under this section on a calendar year basis. The commissioner may continue to allocate part of the money on a state fiscal year basis for special projects.

History:

1979 c 324 s 12; 1981 c 355 s 19; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1Sp1985 c 9 art 2 s 68; 1986 c 349 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 109; 1988 c 689 art 2 s 205-207,268; 1989 c 89 s 20; 1991 c 94 s 23; 2015 c 78 art 4 s 61; 2024 c 80 art 8 s 68

256K.25 [Repealed, 2008 c 361 art 5 s 4]

LONG-TERM HOMELESS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

256K.26 LONG-TERM HOMELESS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

Subdivision 1.Establishment and purpose.

The commissioner shall establish the long-term homeless supportive services fund to provide integrated services needed to stabilize individuals, families, and youth living in supportive housing developed to further the goals set forth in Laws 2003, chapter 128, article 15, section 9.

Subd. 2.Implementation.

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of the Department of Corrections and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, counties, Tribes, providers, and funders of supportive housing and services, shall develop application requirements and make funds available according to this section, with the goal of providing maximum flexibility in program design.

Subd. 3.Definitions.

For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:

(1) "long-term homelessness" means lacking a permanent place to live continuously for one year or more or at least four times in the past three years; and

(2) "household" means an individual, family, or unaccompanied minor experiencing long-term homelessness.

Subd. 4. Eligibility.

Counties and tribes are eligible for funding under this section. Priority will be given to proposals submitted on behalf of multicounty and tribal partnerships.

Subd. 5.Content of proposals.

Proposals will be evaluated on the extent to which they:

(1) include partnerships with providers of services or other partners;

(2) develop strategies to enhance housing stability for people experiencing long-term homelessness by integrating services and establishing consistent services and procedures across jurisdictions as appropriate;

(3) evidence a commitment to working with the commissioners of human services, corrections, and the Housing Finance Agency to identify appropriate households to be served under this section and serve households as defined in subdivision 3. The commissioner may also set criteria for serving people at significant risk of experiencing long-term homelessness, with a priority on serving families with minor children;

(4) ensure that projects make maximum use of mainstream resources, including employment, social, and health services, and leverage additional public and private resources in order to serve the maximum number of households;

(5) demonstrate cost-effectiveness by identifying and prioritizing those services most necessary for housing stability; and

(6) evaluate and report on outcomes of the projects according to protocols developed by the commissioner of human services in cooperation with the commissioners of corrections and the Housing Finance Agency. Evaluation would include methods for determining the quality of the integrated service approach, improvement in outcomes, cost savings, or reduction in service disparities that may result.

Subd. 6.Outcomes.

Projects will be selected to further the following outcomes:

(1) reduce the number of Minnesota individuals and families that experience long-term homelessness;

(2) increase the number of housing opportunities with supportive services;

(3) develop integrated, cost-effective service models that address the multiple barriers to obtaining housing stability faced by people experiencing long-term homelessness, including abuse, neglect, substance use disorder, disability, chronic health problems, or other factors including ethnicity and race that may result in poor outcomes or service disparities;

(4) encourage partnerships among counties, Tribes, community agencies, schools, and other providers so that the service delivery system is seamless for people experiencing long-term homelessness;

(5) increase employability, self-sufficiency, and other social outcomes for individuals and families experiencing long-term homelessness; and

(6) reduce inappropriate use of emergency health care, shelter, substance use disorder treatment, foster care, child protection, corrections, and similar services used by people experiencing long-term homelessness.

Subd. 7.Eligible services.

Services eligible for funding under this section are all services needed to maintain households in permanent supportive housing, as determined by the counties or Tribes administering the project or projects.

Subd. 8.Families experiencing long-term homelessness.

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of housing finance and corrections, shall assess whether the definition of long-term homelessness impacts the ability of families with minor children experiencing homelessness to obtain services necessary to support housing stability.

History:

1Sp2005 c 4 art 3 s 16; 2014 c 291 art 11 s 34; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 44-46,51

256K.30 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 14 art 1 s 107]

256K.35 [Repealed, 2014 c 262 art 1 s 12]

HOMELESS YOUTH ACT

256K.45 HOMELESS YOUTH ACT.

Subdivision 1.Grant program established.

The commissioner of human services shall establish a Homeless Youth Act fund and award grants to providers who are committed to serving homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness, to provide street and community outreach and drop-in programs, emergency shelter programs, and integrated supportive housing and transitional living programs, consistent with the program descriptions in this section to reduce the incidence of homelessness among youth.

Subd. 1a.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Homeless youth" means a person 24 years of age or younger who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The following are not fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residences:

(1) a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(2) an institution or a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations;

(3) transitional housing;

(4) a temporary placement with a peer, friend, or family member that has not offered permanent residence, a residential lease, or temporary lodging for more than 30 days; or

(5) a public or private place not designed for, nor ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

Homeless youth does not include persons incarcerated or otherwise detained under federal or state law.

(d) "Youth at risk of homelessness" means a person 24 years of age or younger whose status or circumstances indicate a significant danger of experiencing homelessness in the near future. Status or circumstances that indicate a significant danger may include: (1) youth exiting out-of-home placements; (2) youth who previously were homeless; (3) youth whose parents or primary caregivers are or were previously homeless; (4) youth who are exposed to abuse and neglect in their homes; (5) youth who experience conflict with parents due to substance use disorder, mental health disability, or other disability; and (6) runaways.

(e) "Runaway" means an unmarried child under the age of 18 years who is absent from the home of a parent or guardian or other lawful placement without the consent of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian.

Subd. 2.Homeless youth report.

(a) The commissioner shall prepare a biennial report, beginning February 1, 2025, which provides meaningful information to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over homeless youth, that includes but is not limited to: (1) a list of the areas of the state with the greatest need for services and housing for homeless youth, and the level and nature of the needs identified; (2) details about grants made, including shelter-linked youth mental health grants under section 256K.46; (3) the distribution of funds throughout the state based on population need; (4) follow-up information, if available, on the status of homeless youth and whether they have stable housing two years after services are provided; and (5) any other outcomes for populations served to determine the effectiveness of the programs and use of funding.

(b) This subdivision expires December 31, 2034.

Subd. 3.Street and community outreach and drop-in program.

Youth drop-in centers must provide walk-in access to crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services including one-to-one case management services on a self-referral basis. Street and community outreach programs must locate, contact, and provide information, referrals, and services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways. Information, referrals, and services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) conflict resolution or mediation counseling;

(3) assistance in obtaining temporary emergency shelter;

(4) assistance in obtaining food, clothing, medical care, or mental health counseling;

(5) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy;

(6) referrals to other agencies that provide support services to homeless youth, youth at risk of homelessness, and runaways;

(7) assistance with education, employment, and independent living skills;

(8) aftercare services;

(9) specialized services for highly vulnerable runaways and homeless youth, including but not limited to youth at risk of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, young parents, emotionally disturbed and mentally ill youth, and sexually exploited youth; and

(10) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 4.Emergency shelter program.

(a) Emergency shelter programs must provide homeless youth and runaways with referral and walk-in access to emergency, short-term residential care. The program shall provide homeless youth and runaways with safe, dignified shelter, including private shower facilities, beds, and at least one meal each day; and shall assist a runaway and homeless youth with reunification with the family or legal guardian when required or appropriate.

(b) The services provided at emergency shelters may include, but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) individual, family, and group counseling;

(3) assistance obtaining clothing;

(4) access to medical and dental care and mental health counseling;

(5) education and employment services;

(6) recreational activities;

(7) advocacy and referral services;

(8) independent living skills training;

(9) aftercare and follow-up services;

(10) transportation; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 5.Supportive housing and transitional living programs.

Transitional living programs must help homeless youth and youth at risk of homelessness to find and maintain safe, dignified housing. The program may also provide rental assistance and related supportive services, or refer youth to other organizations or agencies that provide such services. Services provided may include, but are not limited to:

(1) educational assessment and referrals to educational programs;

(2) career planning, employment, work skill training, and independent living skills training;

(3) job placement;

(4) budgeting and money management;

(5) assistance in securing housing appropriate to needs and income;

(6) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy;

(7) referral for medical services or substance use disorder treatment;

(8) parenting skills;

(9) self-sufficiency support services or life skill training;

(10) aftercare and follow-up services; and

(11) homelessness prevention.

Subd. 6.Funding.

Funds appropriated for this section may be expended on programs described under subdivisions 3 to 5 and 7, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis. The commissioner will provide outreach, technical assistance, and program development support to increase capacity to new and existing service providers to better meet needs statewide, particularly in areas where services for homeless youth have not been established, especially in greater Minnesota.

Subd. 7.Provider repair or improvement grants.

(a) Providers that serve homeless youth may apply for a grant of up to $500,000 under this subdivision to make minor or mechanical repairs or improvements to a facility providing services to homeless youth or youth at risk of homelessness.

(b) Grant applications under this subdivision must include a description of the repairs or improvements and the estimated cost of the repairs or improvements.

Subd. 8.Awarding of grants.

For grants awarded pursuant to a two-year grant contract, the commissioner shall permit grant recipients to carry over any unexpended amount from the first contract year to the second contract year.

History:

2006 c 264 s 13; 2007 c 147 art 2 s 49; 2013 c 108 art 3 s 33; 2015 c 71 art 1 s 44,45; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 71; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 51; art 11 s 3,4; 2023 c 70 art 11 s 7-9; 2024 c 127 art 66 s 17

256K.451 MINOR CONSENT TO HOMELESS AND SEXUALLY EXPLOITED YOUTH SERVICES.

A minor living separately from the minor's parent or legal guardian may give consent to receive homeless youth services and services for sexually exploited youth. A minor's consent to receive services does not affect a parent or legal guardian's custody of the minor.

History:

1Sp2020 c 2 art 5 s 59

256K.46 SHELTER-LINKED YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM.

Subdivision 1.Establishment and authority.

(a) The commissioner shall award grants to provide mental health services to homeless or sexually exploited youth. To be eligible, housing providers must partner with community-based mental health practitioners to provide a continuum of mental health services, including short-term crisis response, support for youth in longer-term housing settings, and ongoing relationships to support youth in other housing arrangements in the community for homeless or sexually exploited youth.

(b) The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of management and budget to identify evidence-based mental health services for youth and give priority in awarding grants to proposals that include evidence-based mental health services for youth.

(c) The commissioner may make two-year grants under this section.

(d) Money appropriated for this section must be expended on activities described under subdivision 4, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis. The commissioner shall provide outreach, technical assistance, and program development support to increase capacity of new and existing service providers to better meet needs statewide, particularly in areas where shelter-linked youth mental health services have not been established, especially in greater Minnesota.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services, unless otherwise indicated.

(c) "Housing provider" means a shelter, housing program, or other entity providing services under the Homeless Youth Act in section 256K.45 and the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Youth Act in section 145.4716.

(d) "Mental health practitioner" has the meaning given in section 245.462, subdivision 17.

(e) "Youth" has the meanings given for "homeless youth," "youth at risk for homelessness," and "runaway" in section 256K.45, subdivision 1a, "sexually exploited youth" in section 260C.007, subdivision 31, and "youth eligible for services" in section 145.4716, subdivision 3.

Subd. 3.Eligibility.

An eligible applicant for shelter-linked youth mental health grants under subdivision 1 is a housing provider that:

(1) demonstrates that the provider received targeted trauma training focused on sexual exploitation and adolescent experiences of homelessness; and

(2) partners with a community-based mental health practitioner who has demonstrated experience or access to training regarding adolescent development and trauma-informed responses.

Subd. 4.Allowable grant activities.

(a) Grant recipients may conduct the following activities with community-based mental health practitioners:

(1) develop programming to prepare youth to receive mental health services;

(2) provide on-site mental health services, including group skills and therapy sessions. Grant recipients are encouraged to use evidence-based mental health services;

(3) provide mental health case management, as defined in section 256B.0625, subdivision 20; and

(4) consult, train, and educate housing provider staff regarding mental health. Grant recipients are encouraged to provide staff with access to a mental health crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(b) Only after promoting and assisting participants with obtaining health insurance coverage for which the participant is eligible, and only after mental health practitioners bill covered services to medical assistance or health plan companies, grant recipients may use grant funds to fill gaps in insurance coverage for mental health services.

(c) Grant funds may be used for purchasing equipment, connection charges, on-site coordination, set-up fees, and site fees to deliver shelter-linked youth mental health services defined in this subdivision via telehealth consistent with section 256B.0625, subdivision 3b.

Subd. 5.Reporting.

Grant recipients shall report annually on the use of shelter-linked youth mental health grants to the commissioner by December 31, beginning in 2020. Each report shall include the name and location of the grant recipient, the amount of each grant, the youth mental health services provided, and the number of youth receiving services. The commissioner shall determine the form required for the reports and may specify additional reporting requirements. The commissioner shall include the shelter-linked youth mental health services program in the biennial report required under section 256K.45, subdivision 2.

History:

1Sp2019 c 9 art 6 s 72; 1Sp2021 c 7 art 6 s 28

256K.47 SAFE HARBOR SHELTER AND HOUSING.

Subdivision 1.Grant program established.

The commissioner of human services must establish a safe harbor shelter and housing grant program. Under this grant program, the commissioner must award grants to providers who are committed to serving sexually exploited youth and youth at risk of sexual exploitation. Grantees must use grant money to provide street and community outreach programs, emergency shelter programs, or supportive housing programs consistent with the program descriptions in this section to address the specialized outreach, shelter, and housing needs of sexually exploited youth and youth at risk of sexual exploitation.

Subd. 2.Youth eligible for services.

Youth 24 years of age or younger are eligible for all shelter, housing beds, and services provided under this section and all services, support, and programs provided by the commissioner of health to sexually exploited youth and youth at risk of sexual exploitation under sections 145.4716 and 145.4717.

Subd. 3.Street and community outreach.

(a) Street and community outreach programs must locate, contact, and provide information, referrals, and services to eligible youth.

(b) Information, referrals, and services provided by street and community outreach programs may include but are not limited to:

(1) family reunification services;

(2) conflict resolution or mediation counseling;

(3) assistance in obtaining temporary emergency shelter;

(4) assistance in obtaining food, clothing, medical care, or mental health counseling;

(5) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy;

(6) referrals to other agencies that provide support services to sexually exploited youth and youth at risk of sexual exploitation;

(7) assistance with education, employment, and independent living skills;

(8) aftercare services;

(9) specialized services for sexually exploited youth and youth at risk of sexual exploitation, including youth experiencing homelessness and youth with mental health needs; and

(10) services to address the prevention of sexual exploitation and homelessness.

Subd. 4.Emergency shelter program.

(a) Emergency shelter programs must provide eligible youth with referral and walk-in access to emergency short-term residential care. The program shall provide eligible youth with safe and dignified shelter that includes private shower facilities, beds, and meals each day and must assist eligible youth with reunification with that youth's family or legal guardian when required or appropriate.

(b) The services provided at emergency shelters may include but are not limited to:

(1) specialized services to address the trauma of sexual exploitation;

(2) family reunification services;

(3) individual, family, and group counseling;

(4) assistance obtaining clothing;

(5) access to medical and dental care and mental health counseling;

(6) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy;

(7) education and employment services;

(8) recreational activities;

(9) advocacy and referral services;

(10) independent living skills training;

(11) aftercare and follow-up services;

(12) transportation; and

(13) services to address the prevention of sexual exploitation and homelessness.

Subd. 5.Supportive housing programs.

(a) Supportive housing programs must help eligible youth find and maintain safe and dignified housing and provide related supportive services and referrals. Supportive housing programs may also provide rental assistance.

(b) The services provided in supportive housing programs may include but are not limited to:

(1) specialized services to address the trauma of sexual exploitation;

(2) education and employment services;

(3) budgeting and money management;

(4) assistance in securing housing appropriate to needs and income;

(5) counseling regarding violence, sexual exploitation, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy;

(6) referral for medical services or chemical dependency treatment;

(7) parenting skills;

(8) self-sufficiency support services and independent living skills training;

(9) aftercare and follow-up services; and

(10) services to address the prevention of sexual exploitation and homelessness prevention.

Subd. 6.Funding.

Money appropriated for this section may be expended on programs described in subdivisions 3 to 5, technical assistance, and capacity building to meet the greatest need on a statewide basis.

History:

2023 c 70 art 11 s 10

256K.48 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMS.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Transitional housing" means housing designed for independent living and provided to a homeless person or family at a rental rate of at least 25 percent of the family income for a period of up to 36 months. If a transitional housing program is associated with a licensed facility or shelter, it must be located in a separate facility or a specified section of the main facility where residents can be responsible for their own meals and other daily needs.

(c) "Support services" means an assessment service that identifies the needs of individuals for independent living and arranges or provides for the appropriate educational, social, legal, advocacy, child care, employment, financial, health care, or information and referral services to meet these needs.

Subd. 2.Establishment and administration.

A transitional housing program is established to be administered by the commissioner. The commissioner may make grants to eligible recipients or enter into agreements with community action agencies or other public or private nonprofit agencies to make grants to eligible recipients to initiate, maintain, or expand programs to provide transitional housing and support services for persons in need of transitional housing, which may include up to six months of follow-up support services for persons who complete transitional housing as they stabilize in permanent housing. The commissioner must ensure that money appropriated to implement this section is distributed as soon as practicable. The commissioner may make grants directly to eligible recipients. The commissioner may extend use of this program for persons needing assistance longer than 36 months.

Subd. 3.Eligible recipients.

A housing and redevelopment authority established under section 469.003 or a community action agency recognized under section 142F.301 is eligible for assistance under the program. In addition, a partnership, joint venture, corporation, or association that meets the following requirements is also eligible:

(1) it is established for a purpose not involving pecuniary gain to its members, partners, or shareholders;

(2) it does not pay dividends or other pecuniary remuneration, directly or indirectly, to its members, partners, or shareholders; and

(3) in the case of a private, nonprofit corporation, it is established under and in compliance with chapter 317A.

Subd. 4.Applications.

An eligible recipient may apply to the commissioner, or to a nonprofit agency designated by the commissioner, for a grant to initiate, maintain, or expand a program providing transitional housing and support services for persons in need of transitional housing. The application must include:

(1) a proposal for the provision of transitional housing and support services, including program objectives, availability of adequate funding, appropriateness of the proposed program for the population to be served, and how the program will help individuals to move into permanent housing;

(2) a proposed budget;

(3) a plan for collection of required data and the method to be used for program evaluation; and

(4) evidence of the participation in the development of the application of any agency or governmental body that will provide essential services or assistance to the program.

Subd. 5.Criteria for grant awards.

Criteria for the award of grants must include:

(1) evidence that the application meets all program requirements;

(2) evidence of the need of the applicant for state assistance and of the need for the particular program;

(3) indication of long-range plans for future funding if the need continues to exist for the service; and

(4) assurance that grants are awarded to as wide a variety of programs as possible, with emphasis on programs that concentrate on long-term solutions to individual housing problems.

Subd. 6.Programs designated.

At least two programs funded must be located in the seven-county metropolitan area and at least one program must be located outside of the metropolitan area. The commissioner may fund programs designed primarily to serve families with children, single persons, and persons leaving a shelter for family abuse.

Subd. 7.Funding coordination.

Grant recipients must combine funds awarded under this section with other funds from public and private sources.

Subd. 8.Program information.

In order to collect uniform data to better measure the nature and extent of the need for transitional housing, grant recipients must collect and make available to the commissioner the following information:

(1) the number of requests received for transitional housing, including the number of persons requiring assistance;

(2) the number of persons for whom services are provided, listed by age;

(3) reasons for seeking assistance;

(4) length of stay;

(5) reasons for leaving the housing program;

(6) demand for support services;

(7) follow-up information on status of persons assisted, including source of income and whether living independently, employed, or in treatment, unless the information is not available; and

(8) source of income on entering the program, prior residence, race, and sex of persons assisted.

Subd. 9.Private data.

Personal history information and other information collected, used, or maintained by a grant recipient from which the identity of any individual receiving services may be determined is private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12, and the grant recipient must maintain the data in accordance with the provisions of chapter 13.

Subd. 10.Licensing requirements not applicable.

The requirements of sections 245A.01 to 245A.16 and chapter 245C do not apply to transitional housing and support services funded under this section unless the commissioner of human services determines that the program is primarily a residential program within the meaning of section 245A.02, subdivision 14.

Subd. 11.Authority to waive requirements during disaster periods.

The commissioner may waive requirements under this section for up to nine months after the disaster for grantees in areas where a federal disaster has been declared under United States Code, title 42, section 5121, et seq., or the governor has exercised authority under chapter 12. The commissioner shall notify the chairs of the senate Family and Early Childhood Education Budget Division, the senate Education Finance Committee, the house of representatives Family and Early Childhood Education Finance Division, the house of representatives Education Committee, and the house of representatives Ways and Means Committee ten days before the effective date of any waiver granted under this section.

History:

1984 c 640 s 32; 1984 c 654 art 5 s 42,58; 1Sp1985 c 13 s 301-305; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 75; 1987 c 291 s 204; 1989 c 47 s 1-6; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 304 s 137; 1991 c 199 art 2 s 18; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1995 c 14 s 1; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13; 1997 c 200 art 4 s 2; 1998 c 273 s 7; 1998 c 383 s 34; 2003 c 15 art 1 s 33; 2005 c 98 art 1 s 24; 2005 c 159 art 5 s 1; 2022 c 98 art 11 s 1,2; 2024 c 80 art 6 s 4; 2024 c 115 art 16 s 43; 2024 c 125 art 6 s7; 2024 c 127 art 51 s 7

256K.49 EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANTS.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of human services.

(c) "Eligible organization" means a local governmental unit, federally recognized Tribal Nation, or nonprofit organization providing or seeking to provide emergency services for homeless persons.

(d) "Emergency services" means:

(1) providing emergency shelter for homeless persons; and

(2) assisting homeless persons in obtaining essential services, including:

(i) access to permanent housing;

(ii) medical and psychological help;

(iii) employment counseling and job placement;

(iv) substance abuse treatment;

(v) financial assistance available from other programs;

(vi) emergency child care;

(vii) transportation; and

(viii) other services needed to stabilize housing.

Subd. 2.Program established; purpose.

An emergency services grant program is established to provide homeless persons essential services and emergency shelter in safe, sanitary, and decent facilities. The grant program is to help eligible organizations improve the quality of existing shelters, make available other emergency housing, meet the operating and maintenance costs of shelters, and provide essential services to homeless persons. The program shall be administered by the commissioner.

Subd. 3.Distribution of grants.

The commissioner shall make grants so as to ensure that emergency services are available to meet the needs of homeless persons statewide.

Subd. 4.Matching funds.

The commissioner may require a grantee to match the grant amount with $1 of nonstate funds for every $2 of grant funds. The match may be in-kind, including the value of volunteer time, or in cash, or a combination of the two.

Subd. 5.Applications.

An eligible organization may apply to the commissioner for a grant to initiate, maintain, or expand a program providing emergency services for homeless persons. The commissioner shall determine the timing and form of the application for the program.

Subd. 6.Criteria for grant awards.

The commissioner shall award grants based on the following criteria:

(1) that the application is for a grant to provide emergency services;

(2) evidence of the applicant's need for state assistance and of the need for the particular emergency services to be funded; and

(3) long-range plans for future funding if the need continues to exist for the emergency services.

Subd. 7.Program information.

In order to collect uniform data to measure better the nature and extent of the need for emergency services, grant recipients shall collect and make available to the commissioner the following information:

(1) the number of persons who seek emergency shelter and where they are seeking shelter;

(2) the number of persons for whom shelter is provided and where, by age, sex, and whether as an individual or part of a family;

(3) the reasons for seeking assistance;

(4) the length of stay;

(5) the reasons for leaving the shelter; and

(6) the demand for essential services.

History:

1997 c 162 art 3 s 7; 2005 c 98 art 1 s 24; 2022 c 98 art 9 s 2; 2024 c 125 art 6 s7; 2024 c 127 art 51 s 7