Regional community action agency outlines new infant‑toddler slots and homelessness supports in Becker County

Liz, executive director of the regional Community Action Partnership that serves Manoomin/Hubbard/Becker/Otter Tail/Wadena, briefed the board on the agency’s five‑level service model and its partnerships with Becker County. Liz said the agency shifted focus to add infant and toddler care slots where private provision is not affordable and has licensed new Early Head Start classrooms that open immediately: two in Detroit Lakes and one in Frazee, creating 24 infant/toddler slots in Becker County.

Liz described existing partnerships with the county: administering Becker County’s childcare assistance program, providing a county‑funded senior coordinator and partnering on local homeless assistance where state Department of Revenue funds are allocated using a student‑homelessness formula. She said the agency brought $2.6 million in state surplus funds to communities for rapid rehousing during the COVID period and reported a 95% housing retention rate after one year for households helped by their case management.

Commissioners asked for concrete metrics and success stories to better understand local impact. Liz said the agency will provide highlighted testimonials that preserve client confidentiality and will forward board packet stories and targeted success summaries for commissioners.

The presentation prompted colleagues to request follow‑up information on how the agency’s SNAP employment and training and senior services operate locally, and to clarify the number of new infant/toddler slots.