The agency must establish a supportive housing program, and the commissioner must create application forms and procedures.
§ Subdivision 1.Establishment. The agency shall establish a supportive housing program to provide funding to increase alignment with housing development financing and strengthen supportive housing for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. § Subd. 2.Definition. For the purposes of this section, "supportive housing" means housing that is not time-limited and provides or coordinates with services necessary for residents to maintain housing stability and maximize opportunities for education and employment. § Subd. 3.Eligible recipients. Funding may be made to a local unit of government, a federally recognized American Indian Tribe or its Tribally Designated Housing Entity located in Minnesota, a private developer, or a nonprofit organization. § Subd. 4.Eligible uses. (a) Funds shall be used to cover costs needed for supportive housing to operate effectively. Costs may include but are not limited to building operating expenses such as front desk, tenant service coordination, revenue shortfall, and security costs. These funds may be capitalized as part of development costs. Funds may be provided to support existing permanent supportive housing units or to cover costs associated with new permanent supportive housing units. (b) Funds may be used to create partnerships with the health care sector and other sectors to demonstrate sustainable ways to provide services for supportive housing residents, improve access to health care, and reduce the use of expensive emergency and institutional care. This may be done in partnership with other state agencies, including the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services. § Subd. 5.Application. The commissioner shall develop forms and procedures for soliciting and reviewing applications for funding under this section. The commissioner shall consult with interested stakeholders when developing the guidelines and procedures for the program.