County approves expanded contract with United Community Action Partnership for emergency shelter and family-based services

KANDIYOHl COUNTY, Minn. — Kandiyohi County commissioners on Feb. 4 approved an expanded contract with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) to increase family-based and Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP/PSAP) services and heard an update on UCAP’s modular emergency shelter project on Wilmer Avenue.

UCAP Director of Community Services Heather Jezieritz described the shelter project as an 11-unit modular site that will include an on-site office for case management. Jezieritz said the agency expects partial occupancy of some units by late spring, pending remaining electrical and plumbing connections. “We will probably start by filling a few of the units and then progress and add on from there,” she said.

County Health and Human Services Director Caroline Con asked the board to approve a contract amendment to move funds within the county’s existing in-home services budget to expand UCAP’s role. Con said the reallocation would increase UCAP’s contract from about $125,500 to about $192,500 — roughly a $67,000 increase — while leaving overall county spending on in‑home services within budget. Con said the county spent roughly $376,000 on comparable in‑home services in 2024 and that the reallocation is intended to provide more first‑language and culturally appropriate services.

Commissioners asked how UCAP will prioritize placements at the shelter. Jezieritz said UCAP uses an existing community waitlist and prioritizes people who are literally homeless (living on the street or in places not meant for habitation), disabled households with children, and seniors; she said the agency coordinates with Family Promise, the Salvation Army and domestic violence services to match needs with the best available option.

The board then voted to approve the contract amendment with UCAP. The motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: County officials said the modular shelter and the expanded family‑based services aim to stabilize families, reduce homelessness and increase access to services in residents’ first languages. Commissioners and UCAP staff emphasized the shortage of affordable housing, lack of childcare, and transportation barriers affecting families’ ability to secure and retain employment.

What’s next: UCAP and county staff said they will return with fuller utilization and program metrics, planned for a May update. Jezieritz and county staff also said they will monitor occupancy and program intake practices as the shelter opens.