Board approves $28,512 Housing Trust Fund allocation for Partners for Housing navigation staff

The Blue Earth County board voted to allocate $28,512 from the county Housing Trust Fund to Partners for Housing to support a 0.5 FTE housing navigation position that provides street outreach, housing navigation and coordinated entry services for people experiencing homelessness.

Andrew Peach, human services supervisor and staff representative for the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, told commissioners the money would cover half the annual salary, taxes and benefits for the housing generalist position as short-term gap funding while Partners for Housing seeks long-term support through a joint application to the regional continuum of care and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with the Mankato EDA and the Salvation Army. "The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee recommends the EDA board adopt the attached resolution authorizing allocation of the housing trust fund resources to Partners for Housing in the amount not to exceed the $28,512 to support housing navigation services," Peach said.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the staff member is employed by the county or by Partners for Housing; Peach and staff confirmed the worker is Partners for Housing staff and that the allocation is a one-time gap fund. A motion to approve the allocation was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote.