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Grants available for supportive housing services

Applications are being accepted for new grants to help people living with serious mental illnesses, and who are homeless or at risk for homelessness, find and keep permanent housing. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is especially interested in hearing from organizations who serve people of color and other underserved communities.

People of color — particularly African Americans, American Indians, and Latinos — are disproportionately affected by homelessness. A 2015 study found that statewide, 39 percent of adults experiencing homelessness are African American, while 8 percent are American Indian and 7 percent are Hispanic.

People experiencing homelessness are also more likely to be living with a serious mental illness like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a co-occurring substance use disorder.

DHS is asking for organizations from racial, ethnic, and cultural communities – or those who work regularly with people from these communities – to apply for these grants that will help people to live independently in their own homes. Minnesota tribes, counties and mental health service providers can apply for the grants. Also eligible are other social service agencies and community-based organizations with expertise serving people with serious mental illnesses who are also experiencing homelessness, including serving people across cultures and underserved communities.

DHS is offering up to $500,000 in grants for January 2017 through June 2018. Services include helping someone find an apartment, working with property owners to take tenants they might not otherwise accept, and teaching tenants conflict resolution and the responsibilities of a lease. The grants will also help connect people with the mental health services they need. The “Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Qualified Grantee to Provide Housing with Supports for Adults with Serious Mental Illness” can be found online at http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/business_partners/documents/pub/dhs-288705~1.pdf.

Responses are due Sept. 30, 2016. For more information, contact Jen McNertney at Jennifer.mcnertney@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2334.

 

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