Minnesota Housing announces nearly $800,000 in support for Ramsey County outreach and direct assistance

County staff told the board that Minnesota Housing has committed "nearly $800,000" to support Ramsey County’s encampment response and outreach work.

"After that recent meeting, the state reached out and let us know that they made an additional investment into Ramsey County, nearly $800,000 as part of supporting the work," the staff member reported. The funds, the speaker said, will increase the state's contract with Radius Health, adding three positions — a registered nurse, an outreach worker and an administrative HMIS support role — and bring the outreach program to almost eight full-time equivalents. The staff member said $316,000 of the allocation is intended for direct assistance such as application fees, security deposits and transportation.

The staff member also outlined schedule and sign-up information for the 2027 supplemental budget process, including a public hearing at 5 p.m. Sept. 22 at Saint Paul City Hall and how residents can sign up to comment by phone or email. The staff member said the additional state funding can be used through the end of June 2028.