On June 26, 2023, the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) at the Department of Human Services (DHS) published a Request for Proposals for Grantees to Acquire, Plan and Design, Construct and/or Renovate Emergency Homeless Shelters for youth, single adults, and/or families experiencing homelessness. Approximately ninety-eight million dollars ($98,000,000) is available in grants as outlined in session Laws of Minnesota 2023, chapter 70, article 11, section 14 and Laws of Minnesota 2023, chapter 70, article 20, section 2, subdivision 24(f). The RFP document outlines eligible activities including planning and design, acquisition, renovation, construction, and contingency funding for emergency shelter facilities. Projects selected for Emergency Shelter Facilities funds need to be completed and operational by June 30, 2028. Applications are due September 21, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. Central Time.  

Questions on this RFP can be sent to Katelyn.warburton@state.mn.us. A responders’ conference will be held virtually on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. You do not need to register for the responders' conference, you can join at the start time using the link below, or by phone by dialing 1-415-655-0003 and using access code 2492 852 1131. The details for the Responders' Conference can be found on page 9 of the RFP document.  

The Department of Human Services' (DHS) Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) has had funding available to support rapid responses to COVID-19 in overnight or day shelters, drop-in centers, and street outreach programs for people facing homelessness or domestic violence.

Funding is available for expenses on or before June 30, 2023 and can be used to support wages for staff who must isolate or quarantine due to COVID exposure, hiring temporary emergency staff due to staffing shortages caused by COVID, hazard pay, operating costs for quarantine and/or isolation space, and other needs. The funds began in December 2021 and expire June 30, 2023. Beginning July 1, 2023, the funding will no longer be available.

To cover eligible expenses incurred through June, 30, 2023, the survey will remain open until July 14. All requests for eligible expenses through June 30, 2023 must be submitted, via the survey, on or before the end of day on July 14, 2023 in order to be considered for funding. Any request received on or after July 15, 2023 cannot be considered for funding.

Learn more about eligible uses and how eligible settings can apply at https://mich.mn.gov/shelter-outbreak-funds. Please contact Demetri Vincze at demetri.vincze@state.mn.us with any questions.  

HomeHelpMN will stop accepting new applications on July 7 at 5 p.m. as assistance funds are running low. You can still apply before the deadline if you are a homeowner who has past-due expenses for their mortgage, contract for deed, manufactured home loan, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, homeowner association fees, lot rent or Tribal land lease. Apply at https://homehelpmn.org/.  

When you submit your application, you will receive confirmation the application has been placed on the waitlist. When you log in to your application, your application status will say “Waitlisted.” 

Waitlisted applications will be reviewed subject to available funding. You will be notified if your application is processed. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Actual assistance will depend on your eligibility and availability of funds once your application is fully complete. 

HomeHelpMN is a federally funded, temporary emergency assistance program to support homeowners experiencing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program started in May 2022 and will have disbursed all available funds soon. 

If you have questions about HomeHelpMN, please call 800-388-3226 for additional assistance. HomeHelpMN Live Chat and Call Center are available Monday through Friday,  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Central time). Call Center hours are subject to change. Interpretation services are available.