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County continues contract with UCAP for local homeless prevention aid; agency outlines prevention and new emergency shelter
Summary
Commissioners extended a contract with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) to administer Local Homeless Prevention Aid for Kandiyohi County; UCAP reported results from prior funding, service counts and described a new modular emergency shelter project expected to open this summer.
Kandiyohi County commissioners on May 20 approved a contract with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) to continue administering Local Homeless Prevention Aid in partnership with the county.
Angela Larson, family services director for UCAP, said the program aims to prevent and end homelessness for youth and families with children by providing rental and utility assistance plus case management. Larson said 2023 funds (spent in 2024) helped 21 unduplicated households (81 individuals) in Kandiyohi County; she said 100% of those who participated in required case management exited the program to stable housing.
Deb Brandt, UCAP executive director, and Larson also described UCAP's broader regional services: UCAP serves nine designated counties and four extended counties; last year UCAP reported serving 22,456 individuals systemwide and nearly 5,200 individuals in Kandiyohi County (1,978 households). Brandt said UCAP purchased a Head Start facility and is expanding early childhood capacity; UCAP also operates the federal Energy Assistance program (Oct. 1–May 31) and paid vendor energy assistance averages of roughly $550 per eligible household last year.
Brandt described a nearly $4.4 million capital grant UCAP received to develop a temporary emergency shelter on two sites; the project adds a 12‑unit modular shelter (an 8‑plex and a 4‑plex with four ADA units, one of which will include an office) built to HUD standards. UCAP expects to move families in gradually, with an anticipated initial occupancy target around July, and average stays of about 35 days depending on family needs; staff will provide case management onsite, computer access and laundry facilities. Brandt said the modular approach shortened construction time and allowed state inspections at the factory.
Caroline Khan, director of Health and Human Services, told the board she supports continuing UCAP's contract and said county staff found UCAP demonstrated stewardship of prior Local Homeless Prevention Aid funds; the proposed contract permits up to a 25% administrative/supportive services rate and authorizes payment not to exceed $36,000 in the current contract year. The board approved the contract by voice vote.
UCAP and county staff said they will coordinate referrals, case management and use of prevention dollars; UCAP noted federal funding uncertainty for some programs (emergency repair, other federal programs) and flagged potential increased demand if federal funding is reduced.
