Item Coversheet

Board Action Request
22-0321

Item Description:
Agmt A2211349, a Joint Powers Agreement with the Mn Dept of Veteran Affairs for mutual cooperation and to accept funding for services for veterans experiencing homelessness, 08/23/22–06/30/23, $300,000 (recv), add 2 FTEs to HSPH 2022 budget
Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Joint Powers Agreement A2211349 with the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs, for mutual cooperation and accepting funding from the State in order to serve veterans experiencing homelessness, during the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, in the receivable amount of $300,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Human Services and Public Health department receive a supplemental appropriation of $100,000 to the 2022 Human Services and Public Health budget; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the funding of one [1] existing permanent full time equivalent position and the addition of two [2] permanent full time equivalent positions to the 2022 Human Services and Public Health budget be approved; 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 continuing funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program if these grant funds are not made available or when grant funds are no longer available.

Background:

The State of Minnesota is in need of Hennepin County to provide staff for an outreach program to former service members who are currently experiencing homelessness. Under Minnesota Statutes § 471.59, subd. 10, the State is empowered to engage such assistance as deemed necessary. This program is intended to assist the former service members in gaining access to the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR), while connecting the former service member to the resources needed to secure permanent housing. This is a needed resource for the State to achieve the goal of ending Veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

 

The goal of this agreement is to stably house Veterans, provide referrals to ongoing supportive services and Veteran specific outreach services. In this agreement Hennepin County provides 3.0 full time employees to work within the county and state to provide the following services to Veterans in Hennepin County:

 

  • Provide short-term assistance to Veterans to connect with internal and/or community resources to help meet their needs. Services will be provided in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner.
  • Work with Veterans experiencing homelessness who may have physical, mental health, substance use issues and/or developmental disabilities.
  • Work with Veterans experiencing homelessness to refer to housing and/or services.
  • After being assigned a case, meet the person, assess the Veteran's needs, note formal and informal supports, and determine where gaps exist. Establish if the gaps can be filled with community resources, or if county resources are needed.
  • Develop an initial housing focused plan with the Veteran to address gaps that exist in the Veteran’s support system and will link the person with community resources. Closely collaborate with the Veterans’ Service Office, the Minnesota State Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs Coordinator, The Veteran Homeless Registry Team, the VA CRRC and appropriate Veteran non-profit organizations.


Current Request: To approve agreement A2211349, a Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs for mutual cooperation and to accept funding for services for veterans experiencing homelessness, for the term of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, in the not-to-exceed receivable amount of $300,000, which will increase the number of Veteran specific housing focused case managers to three FTE’s. One of these is a current position and two more will be added.

Impact/Outcomes: Additional FTE’s supported with this funding from the MDVA will allow for more Veterans experiencing homelessness to receive housing focused case management services and to move out of homelessness into permanent housing.

Disparity Reduction: This funding supports the County’s disparity reduction efforts by providing housing stability for veterans, many of whom are member of groups disparately impacted by homelessness and housing instability. Eligible individuals are provided with critical referrals and services that will address mental health, chemical health, ongoing stability support, financial assistance based on needs, and opportunities for permanent housing. Services are culturally competent and based on evidence-based practices; they build on existing strengths and the person’s life goals.

Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval