Just as temperatures have begun to drop and homeless Minnesotans are finding themselves in greater need, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has awarded nearly $3 million in Emergency Services Program grants to strengthen shelter services and increase outreach to people living on the streets. According to a DHS news release, the grants are going to 25 organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature approved the one-time funding during the 2019 legislative session. It supplements $1.7 million already appropriated to the Emergency Services Program. Locally, the Scott-Carver-Dakota Community Action Program Agency is receiving $100,000 for additional motel vouchers, increased stay durations, and expanded housing navigation services in Scott, Carver and Dakota counties.
