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County housing specialists highlight grant-funded outreach and urge year-round shelter access
Summary
Crow Wing County staff described outcomes of the Community Living Infrastructure Grant, reporting thousands of client contacts and progress placing long-term unhoused residents; staff warned seasonal shelter closures reduce outreach and slow housing placements.
Tammy Lueck, adult services manager, and Rachel Zeta, supervisor for housing and adult mental-health services, briefed commissioners on the county’s Community Living Infrastructure Grant. The program funds two full-time housing specialists who made roughly 4,424 outreach and intake contacts in the most recent reporting year; about 69% of clients were Crow Wing County residents and the largest share of contacts (48%) were experiencing literal homelessness.
Lueck said year-one grant funding was $341,715 and subsequent years provided $255,221; the county applied for renewal and expects a decision in June. Rachel described service outcomes: housing consultation, community referrals (including for deposits and first-month assistance), crisis services and, in many cases, multi-step housing plans. She presented a case study showing how long-term coordination among county staff, Bridges of Hope, the county shelter and a day center helped a client named "Jake" move into permanent housing in spring 2025 after years of intermittent contact.
Commissioners asked about the impact of the Brainerd shelter operating seasonally; staff said closing the shelter in summer reduced contact and made it harder to maintain continuity of services, and they argued year-round sheltering helps connect people to stable housing. Commissioners thanked staff and community partners for wraparound services and outreach.
