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Council approves $250,000 for social services after first RFP; STEP and Senior Community Services receive allocations
Summary
The City of St. Louis Park approved $250,000 in contracts for social services in 2025 through a new competitive RFP process: STEP received $204,000 (recommended split: $154,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency rental assistance and $50,000 from the general fund for food insecurity) and Senior Community Services rece
The St. Louis Park City Council on Jan. 21 approved $250,000 in contractual funding for social service providers after the city completed its first competitive request for proposals for these services.
Staff said the 2025 budget allocates $200,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $50,000 from the general fund to support nonprofits that provide basic needs services to Saint Louis Park residents. Two proposals were received: STEP requested $204,000 for emergency housing assistance, food insecurity and other basic needs; Senior Community Services requested funding for a HOME (home chore) program that supports older adults.
The grant review committee—which included staff from multiple departments and a community member—recommended fully funding STEP’s $204,000 request but reallocating the funding across sources: $154,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency rental assistance and $50,000 from the general fund for food insecurity. The committee recommended funding Senior Community Services at $15,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support minor repairs and home‑health and safety assessments for income‑eligible older adults; the allocation represents about 75% of that agency’s request and is an increase of $5,000 from prior funding levels.
Staff said contracts will include reporting requirements (how many households served, services provided, funds expended) and a 15% cap on administrative costs. Marnie Olson, housing supervisor, said the city will refine outreach and the RFP timeline in subsequent years after this first round.
Why it matters: the new competitive process is intended to centralize city support for food security, emergency housing assistance and services that help seniors remain in their homes. STEP’s recommended funding will support thousands of residents’ access to food programs and provide emergency assistance to families who otherwise might lose housing, the agency said in a prepared statement relayed to the council.
Public and council comments: Council members praised the competitive process and asked staff to strengthen reporting and demographic data collection in future RFP cycles so the city can better measure program outcomes and equity. Staff agreed to refine outreach and reporting requirements going forward.
Action: Council voted unanimously to approve the recommended contract allocations.
Ending: Staff said contract details and reporting requirements will be finalized with the agencies and the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and general fund allocations will be tracked during the year.
