The Mankato Economic Development Authority (EDA) is requested to approve the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue participation in providing Coordinated Entry System (CES) Navigation Services in alignment with the regional Navigation Workplan under the River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC).
The Coordinated Entry System (CES) is a regionally coordinated process designed to prioritize and connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness to appropriate housing resources. CES Navigation Services are a critical component of this system, ensuring households on the CES priority list receive ongoing engagement and assistance to successfully access and maintain housing opportunities. All services are delivered using a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, with the primary goal of reducing the length of time individuals and families experience homelessness.
The proposed MOU renews the EDA’s role in delivering navigation services through a multi-agency, collaborative approach. These services target families, youth, and single adults experiencing homelessness, particularly those with severe service needs or who are unsheltered.
Participation under the MOU leverages federal and state funding through the CoC matched with EDA in kind services. The EDA has demonstrated financial capacity and administrative infrastructure to manage these funds in compliance with all applicable requirements.
The MOU supports participation in the local Street Outreach Team, a coordinated initiative that integrates public safety and service providers into the community’s homelessness response system. This model connects individuals during crisis or overnight encounters to Coordinated Entry System (CES) navigation services and housing resources, reduces the criminalization of homelessness through a service-first approach, and strengthens real-time coordination among outreach, shelter, and housing partners.
In Mankato, the team includes representatives from the City, Connections Shelter, Partners for Housing, the Salvation Army, and the Crisis Resource Center. CES Navigators play a key role by responding to public safety referrals—particularly those occurring overnight—and conducting timely follow-up to connect individuals to services, improving information sharing, and support their progression through CES toward stable housing.
Approval of this MOU will renew the EDA’s role in a coordinated, regional effort to address homelessness.
