Minnesota has several resources that can help people with disabilities get and keep housing. One of the most important is Housing Support, formerly called Group Residential Housing. DHS describes it as providing help with housing costs for some people at risk of institutional placement or homelessness. According to Housing Benefits 101, a Minnesota benefits information site, Housing Support serves people with disabilities and older adults with low income, pays for room and board in certain settings such as adult foster care, assisted living, board and lodge and supportive housing, and can fund some supplemental services. People can apply online through MNbenefits or with the Combined Application Form at their county or Tribal human services office, which administers the program.
Programs change, and staff need current information. Minnesota ended the Housing Stabilization Services program, a Medical Assistance benefit that had helped people find and keep housing, at the end of October after DHS cited widespread fraud and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved the termination. DHS said it was coordinating with counties, Tribes, Urban Indian organizations and managed care organizations to identify resources for people affected, and it posted resources on its housing resources page. If a plan, form or resource list still refers to Housing Stabilization Services, it is out of date.
Two navigation tools help staff and the people they serve. HousingLink is a Minnesota nonprofit that helps renters find affordable and subsidized housing and offers information on Housing Choice Vouchers, fair housing, legal help and a program for renters with criminal, credit or rental history barriers. Housing Benefits 101 explains Minnesota housing programs in plain language and suggests next steps, including connecting with case managers and county or Tribal human services.
Waiver services and other disability programs may also include housing-related supports, and rules change. Your role is to know where current information lives, help the person explore options and connect them with the office that decides eligibility. Counties, Tribes and DHS make eligibility determinations. Avoid promising a specific benefit before that office has reviewed the person's situation.
