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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Item No: 4.A.
Economic Development Authority
- Meeting Date:
- 11/12/2024
Agenda Item:
Resolution authorizing the submission of Bridges application to Minnesota Housing.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
Minnesota Housing, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, is accepting applications for the Bridges and Bridges Regional Treatment Center (RTC) Rental Assistance Programs Request for Proposals (RFP). The programs provide rental assistance for people with very low incomes and mental illness who are waiting for a housing choice voucher (HCV) or another permanent housing option.
Minnesota Housing anticipates up to $15M in grant funds for the Bridges and Bridges Regional Treatment Center (RTC) programs for the biennium period of July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027. The available funding may be adjusted and is contingent on the amount awarded by the Minnesota Legislature. Applications are due on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, no later than noon Central Time.
The program provides assistance with accessing housing support and services in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 462A.2097. The rental subsidy is temporary and is intended to bridge the housing gap between existing institutions, segregated settings, supervised release, and homelessness, to a permanent affordable housing option. Rental assistance may be in the form of direct rental subsidies, security deposits, damage claims, vacancy payments, application fees, financial assurance/risk mitigation program fees, and utility connection fees for housing.
Bridges operates as a partnership between the EDA, the South Central Community Based Mental Health Initiative, Blue Earth County Behavioral Health, and partners providing housing stabilization services that provide connections to housing supports and mental health services to participants. Entities will enter into a cooperative agreement to coordinate the implementation of the program. Bridges supports the State of Minnesota’s goals under the Olmstead Implementation Plan, The Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Minnesota Comprehensive Adult Mental Health Act.
The EDA administered the Bridges program in partnership with the Blue Earth County EDA until June 2021 and was allocated 14 vouchers. The program was not renewed when HUD provided 112 Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly disabled households. In leasing the 112 Mainstream vouchers, the Bridges vouchers were underutilized. Currently, there is a renewed need for the Bridges vouchers with the Mainstream wait list estimated at 300 households potentially eligible for assistance. Due to limited funding and the need to expand the Bridges Program across Minnesota, staff anticipate funding allocated will be limited to 25 vouchers.
The application deadline is December 4, 2024. The requested action is to approve by resolution the authorization of the Bridges program application for 25 Vouchers to Minnesota Housing. If a grant is awarded, the grant agreement will be submitted to the EDA for execution. It is anticipated grants will be awarded in January 2025.
Minnesota Housing anticipates up to $15M in grant funds for the Bridges and Bridges Regional Treatment Center (RTC) programs for the biennium period of July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027. The available funding may be adjusted and is contingent on the amount awarded by the Minnesota Legislature. Applications are due on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, no later than noon Central Time.
The program provides assistance with accessing housing support and services in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 462A.2097. The rental subsidy is temporary and is intended to bridge the housing gap between existing institutions, segregated settings, supervised release, and homelessness, to a permanent affordable housing option. Rental assistance may be in the form of direct rental subsidies, security deposits, damage claims, vacancy payments, application fees, financial assurance/risk mitigation program fees, and utility connection fees for housing.
Bridges operates as a partnership between the EDA, the South Central Community Based Mental Health Initiative, Blue Earth County Behavioral Health, and partners providing housing stabilization services that provide connections to housing supports and mental health services to participants. Entities will enter into a cooperative agreement to coordinate the implementation of the program. Bridges supports the State of Minnesota’s goals under the Olmstead Implementation Plan, The Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness and the Minnesota Comprehensive Adult Mental Health Act.
The EDA administered the Bridges program in partnership with the Blue Earth County EDA until June 2021 and was allocated 14 vouchers. The program was not renewed when HUD provided 112 Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly disabled households. In leasing the 112 Mainstream vouchers, the Bridges vouchers were underutilized. Currently, there is a renewed need for the Bridges vouchers with the Mainstream wait list estimated at 300 households potentially eligible for assistance. Due to limited funding and the need to expand the Bridges Program across Minnesota, staff anticipate funding allocated will be limited to 25 vouchers.
The application deadline is December 4, 2024. The requested action is to approve by resolution the authorization of the Bridges program application for 25 Vouchers to Minnesota Housing. If a grant is awarded, the grant agreement will be submitted to the EDA for execution. It is anticipated grants will be awarded in January 2025.