Hennepin County renews veteran homelessness partnerships, funds and staff positions

The Human Services Committee approved a package of routine human services actions, including contract awards and joint powers agreements to support services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness and continued embedded social-worker coverage in partner cities.

The package included: an amendment to the joint powers agreement with the City of Bloomington to update language and reduce one full-time equivalent in the embedded social worker program while retaining one FTE through the updated agreement; a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to provide direct services for homeless veterans (receivable $100,000 for 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2026); and a separate JPA with the Department of Veterans Affairs for mutual cooperation and acceptance of $300,000 in state funding to serve veterans experiencing homelessness during the same period. Commissioners praised the county's track record in serving veterans and said maintaining staff and funding helps prevent returns to homelessness.

Why it matters: Commissioners emphasized the county's role in sustaining nearly ended veteran homelessness by continuing partnerships and funding that prevent veterans from sliding back into homelessness. Commissioner Gautel said, "I hear from the city of Bloomington. I meet with them regularly, and they always sing the praises of this great program from Hennepin County." Commissioners Connolly and Anderson echoed appreciation for continued partnerships with the VA.

Details: County staff described the JPA terms as covering the period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with stated receivable amounts of $100,000 and $300,000 for the respective agreements. The Bloomington amendment formalizes staffing and funding adjustments to the embedded social worker program.

Next steps: The committee approved items 2a through 2d and the county will execute agreements and accept state funds per the JPAs.