BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Agreement A199673 with the Minnesota Department of Human Services for grant funding for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, during the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024, increasing the receivable amount by $1,545,000 for a new total receivable amount of $2,575,000, be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the amendment on behalf of the county; and the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) staff in Initial Contact and Access, Healthcare for the Homeless, and Adult Behavioral Health areas of Health and Human Services work with approximately 800 homeless individuals every year. Grant funds make it possible to provide outreach, case management, and other supportive services for persons with serious mental illness (SMI), or with a SMI and co­occurring substance use disorder. The PATH program has partnered with St. Stephen’s Street Outreach to increase outreach services. Eligible persons are homeless, long term homeless, or at imminent risk of homelessness including persons who will be homeless upon exit from an institutional setting.

The COVID crisis brought about an emergency change in the work of those staff serving PATH residents. In an effort to de-concentrate the shelter system, Hennepin moved older residents and medically fragile residents into several hotels beginning in March 2020. Hennepin established a new program through this COVID hotel response to service these residents by providing daily meals, connection to financial support, and case management for services and housing. Hennepin invested in hiring an additional unit of staff focused on housing case management. 

Since June 2020, more than 275 residents have received permanent housing through these efforts, with 96% of this group retaining their housing to date. The Hennepin County Board approved Agreement A199673 with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for grant funding for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, during the period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021 through Resolution 19-0262.

This funding supports disparity reduction efforts by providing housing stability. Eligible individuals receive services that focus on recovery. Services are culturally competent and based on evidence-­based practices; they build on existing strengths and the person’s life goals.

Fund: 20

 Account: 42360

 Dept. ID: 511099

 Project No: 1000394

 Activity: HDS04