Housing Support is a program to help people with disabilities and older adults (age 65 and older) who have low income pay for housing expenses. It was formerly known as Group Residential Housing. Housing Support can help eligible individuals pay for:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Household items
- Food
- Support services
Housing Support eligibility
Eligible settings
To get Housing Support benefits, a person must live in certain settings. These include Community and Group settings.
Community settings
Independent apartment units or shared housing where residents have their own rental leases. They have the option to prepare their own food and get supportive services.
Community settings can have several units in one location or units scattered throughout the community. Most community settings are for people who have experienced long-term homelessness.
Group settings
Group settings are licensed or registered places. They provide meals on site; staff are present, and services are provided. Typically, these include adult foster care, assisted living facilities, and board and lodges.
Becoming a Housing Support provider
Housing Support Application and Screening Process
For questions, email
ssadminhousingsupport@co.dakota.mn.us
Dakota County priorities for Housing Support settings
Dakota County wants to maximize choice and community integration by having:
- Available, accessible, affordable Housing Support sites throughout the county.
- Diverse services, settings and providers that can meet the needs of our residents.
- Community-based settings that do not place people into one neighborhood or building.
- Providers who specialize in working with underserved or underrepresented populations.
To achieve these goals, Dakota County has established the following priorities for applications:
- Sites allow individuals to live as independently and autonomously as possible.
- Sites are fully accessible to individuals who have various mobility capabilities.
- Individuals can choose who they live with.
- Providers who serve seniors and those using the Elderly Waiver (EW).
- Providers who will serve individuals with complex rental histories and needs.
- Providers that offer person-centered services. They do not impose arbitrary or unnecessary rules on residents.