City and County Join Forces to Combat Homelessness

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the administration and allocation of funds aimed at addressing homelessness in Ramsey County. The city has a joint powers agreement with Ramsey County to manage these resources, which are primarily sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding is designated for various activities, including street outreach, shelter operations, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention.

The program operates under strict guidelines, with HUD defining specific criteria for who qualifies as homeless or at risk of homelessness. This has posed challenges for Ramsey County in effectively utilizing the funds, as compliance with regulations has led to some subrecipients dropping out of the program. The funds must be obligated within 180 days of HUD signing the grant agreement, and all expenditures must occur within 24 months. Additionally, a one-to-one match of non-federal funds is required, limiting the allocation for street outreach and emergency shelter to no more than 60%.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of fund management, with Ramsey County receiving all administrative funds for the Emergency Solutions Grant, while the city of St. Paul does not. This arrangement allows Ramsey County to handle the reporting and contracting processes, which are essential for the program's success. The officials emphasized the importance of these funds in addressing the pressing needs of the homeless population, despite the administrative challenges involved.