Codington County authorizes application for transitional housing HUD grant

The Codington County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize staff to submit an application for a transitional housing grant administered through the state and HUD. County community services staff described the program as targeted toward people currently experiencing homelessness and noted the grant provides up to two years of housing support plus intensive case management.

Sarah, the community services presenter, outlined recent grant activity and the transitional-housing timeline: the application deadline is Monday, Dec. 15; the state will review applications for about a month and then forward selections to HUD, which could make determinations in the spring. Funding, if awarded, would likely begin in October of the following fiscal year, giving the county time to finalize program details.

She told commissioners the grant requires a 25% match that may be in cash or in-kind contributions (for example, existing staff salaries or subcontracted services), and the county could subcontract portions of the program or enter MOUs with local nonprofits if Codington County serves as the applicant. "There is a 25% match, that can be either financial or in kind," she said.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether the county needs to budget match funds for 2026; staff said implementation would begin in October if awarded and that match could be found through existing programs or partner organizations. The authorization approved by the board was explicitly to apply; the board retained the right to accept or decline any award if it would create budget problems.

Next steps: staff will submit the application by the Dec. 15 deadline and return to the board if the county is offered funds or if further approvals are required.