Housing Stability

Dakota County Social Services does not distribute housing vouchers. The main sources for housing vouchers in Dakota County are the Dakota County Community Development Agency and the regional Coordinated Entry system.

Community Development Agency

The Community Development Agency has different programs to help with rent. Learn about CDA programs or apply for CDA housing waiting lists.​​

Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry refers families and individuals experiencing homelessness to available resources. Dakota County is part of the Suburban Metro Area Continuum of Care (SMAC) and households need to complete a Coordinated Entry Assessment to be placed on their resource priority list.

The Dakota County Housing Resource Line cannot schedule or complete assessments. Specific eligibility for the assessment can be found on SMAC's website but generally requires circumstances that include living in a place not meant for human habitation or residing in an emergency shelter.

If an individual believes that they meet these requirements, they should work with their housing case manager to complete a Coordinated Entry assessment. If they do not have a housing case manager but believe that they are eligible, then they can contact the following agencies:

• Dakota County families and adults should call Ally Supportive Services at 612-875-9683'>612-875-9683'>612-875-9683.
• Dakota County youth (ages 24 or younger) should call The Link's C.O.R.E. Drop-in Center at 612-205-7944'>612-205-7944'>612-205-7944.

Dakota County Social Services financially supports a variety of rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing programs in the community. These programs are accessed via Coordinated Entry and can be found on the SMAC website.

Cahill Place, located in Inver Grove Heights, is an example of one of these resources. The video shows the important impact these programs have on people experiencing housing instability in Dakota County.  

Housing Support is a program that can help pay for rent, utilities, household items, food and support services for people who qualify. Requirements include:

• Age 18 or older with a certified disability or disabling condition OR age 65 or older.
  
• Have low income and low assets.
  
• Live in a community or group setting that has a current Housing Support Agreement authorized by Dakota County. ​​
  

Housing Support settings are available for people who can live independently or need group care:

• Community settings are independent apartments or shared housing. Residents have their own rental leases and have the option to prepare their own food and receive support from a service provider.
• ​Group settings are licensed sites where meals and services are provided. Staff are present. Group settings can include adult foster care, board and lodge, and assisted living.

Learn more about the Housing Support program.

Dakota County priorities for Housing Support settings:

Dakota County wants to maximize choice and community integration. We do this by having:

• Sites throughout Dakota County. This promotes access to community (e.g., transportation, employment, recreation).
• Sites that serve low-income seniors on the Elderly Waiver (EW)
• ​Diversity of services, settings and providers.
• Community-based settings that do not group people needing supportive services into one neighborhood or building.
• Providers who specialize in working with underserved or underrepresented populations.
• Fully accessible sites for individuals who have various mobility capabilities.
• Individuals choose who they live with.
• Providers serve individuals with complex rental histories and needs.
  
• Providers offer person-centered services. They do not impose arbitrary or unnecessary rules on residents.
  

Learn more about the Dakota County Housing Support review and screening process for providers.​