Item Description:
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Agmt A2412378 with the MN Dept of Veteran Affairs for mutual cooperation and to accept funding for services for veterans experiencing homelessness, 07/01/24-06/30/25, $300,000 (recv)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Joint Powers Agreement A2412378 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, 2024 through June 30, 2025, 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 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.
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Background:
The State of Minnesota and Hennepin County have prioritized ending homelessness among Veterans. Under Minnesota Statutes § 471.59, subd. 10, the State is empowered to engage Hennepin County to provide staff for an outreach program to former service members who are currently experiencing homelessness. This program is intended to assist the former service members in gaining access to the Homeless Veteran Registry (HVR) and connecting the former service members 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.
Therefore, 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 housing focused 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.
Hennepin County and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs have entered into similar Joint Powers Agreements since 2022. Agreement A2211349, which was approved by the County Board (resolution 22--0321) on August 16, 2022. And Agreement A2311818, which was approved on July 18, 2023 (resolution 23-0274).
Current Request: To approve agreement A2412378, 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, 2024 through June 30, 2025, in the not-to-exceed receivable amount of $300,000, to continue funding for 3 Veteran specific housing-focused case managers.
Impact/Outcomes: 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
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval