The Crow Wing County Board approved a Department of Human Services (DHS) cost-neutral transfer request and authorized a contract with Bridges of Hope to provide emergency sheltering from Jan. 1 through June 30, 2025.

Tammy Luebke, adult services manager, explained the county requested transfer of 20 unused beds into a pool to support year-round sheltering at Bridges of Hope on 7th Street. Luebke said the county had about 50 beds not being used that had previously supported the White Oaks project in Baxter. "We requested 20 beds to be transferred," she said. The DHS award under this request would cover up to $181,014.91 for Jan. 1–June 30, 2025; Luebke said the full July 2025–June 2026 estimate at current rates would be $362,029.82 for 20 beds.

Luebke told commissioners the grant funds come from the state (DHS) and "are not county dollars and they're not opioid dollars." She said the grant covers emergency sheltering only. Bridges of Hope, the county's emergency-shelter provider, has been operating in winter months with occupancy sometimes closer to 30 beds; the DHS allocation would ensure funding to operate the shelter year-round without using opioid funds.

The board approved a motion authorizing Crow Wing County to enter the DHS agreement and to proceed with a conditional contract with Bridges of Hope, subject to county-attorney review and final execution. Commissioner Barrow moved and Commissioner Haug seconded; the motion carried.

Why it matters: the action secures state funding to support year-round emergency shelter capacity for people experiencing homelessness without drawing on county levy or opioid funds. County staff said Bridges of Hope will invoice only for services it furnishes and that the contract and grant terms limit invoicing to eligible shelter costs.

Ending: Staff will finalize contract language with the county attorney and Bridges of Hope and administer the DHS award for the six-month period ending June 30, 2025.