The Initial Contact and Access area of the Human Services and Public Health Department works with approximately 850 homeless individuals every year. Social workers meet with clients, usually single adults, to assess the services and resources needed to maintain mental and social well-being. Grant funding for this program makes it possible to provide outreach, case management, and other supportive services for persons with serious mental illness (SMI), or with a SMI and co-occurring substance use disorder.  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. In 2016, 46 clients were housed that were previously chronically homeless.

The current award is a continuation of funding previously awarded to Hennepin County by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and incorporated in the Adult Mental Health Initiative Grant. Reimbursement shall begin with one initial cash advance of $126,575 (equal to one calendar quarter) followed by quarterly cost reimbursement based on the previous quarter’s expenses.

Eligible individuals receive services that focus on recovery. Services are  based on evidence-based practices, culturally competent and build on existing strengths and the person’s life goals. The PATH program has partnered successfully with St. Stephen's in the library outreach program at the Central Library and now has regular office hours at this location. The program has also developed tenancy support services in conjunction with the metro-wide Hearth Connection program.