Crow Wing County BLADE fund covered housing, meds and basic needs; staff asks for $50,000 more

Kara Terry, Community Services, and Richard Grutner, chemical‑health and housing team lead, briefed commissioners on the BLADE treatment fund and how the county has used the initial allocation approved last year.

Grutner said the fund’s first disbursements began in August 2024 and that the earliest year’s expenditures included medication costs for incarcerated individuals, housing deposits, counseling supports and other items to support the care continuum. He described recurring uses: deposits to secure housing after treatment, utility and phone bill support, transportation, animal boarding, storage for client belongings, vehicle repairs and childcare so clients can attend treatment, and relapse‑prevention costs for uninsured individuals. He said the fund helps remove immediate practical barriers so people can accept treatment and remain engaged.

Grutner said the county used roughly $12,000 in the initial period and that about $6,000 remained in the original $50,000 allocation; staff asked the board to consider adding $50,000 to sustain the program. He noted the county coordinates with partner agencies—including Lakes Area Resource Group Committee (LARC) and local service providers—to ensure funds are leveraged and not duplicated. Commissioners asked whether the item should appear on consent or as a presentation; the board requested a presentation at the next county meeting so members could review the information.

No final appropriation was approved at this meeting; staff will place the funding request on the upcoming county board agenda for a decision.