1 BRIDGES PROGRAM And Crisis Housing Fund RSC Forum April 21, 2006 Dave Schultz MH Program Consultant

2 Bridges A State rental assistance program for persons with serious and persistent mental illness waiting for a permanent housing subsidy.

3 Bridges Program A temporary, modified Section 8 state housing subsidy program for persons with serious and persistent mental illness, administered by Minnesota Housing Finance Agency in partnership with the Department of Human Services

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5 State Totals - Bridges  $3,476,000 for Biennium  310 people to be served  $419,300 for Ending Long Term Homeless  37 slots for ELTH

6 Bridges  New RFP will come out the Spring of 2007  It is open to any Housing Agency to apply along with a social service partner  The RFP is sent to all HRAs  Consortiums can be better to apply  Number to be funded will be based on the legislative award for the program  For July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009  Dollars available will be determined by the 2007 legislature

7 Bridges  Getting someone on Bridges:  Have a person apply at the HRA that has the Bridges program and if they need you to apply through their partner, they will let you know.  Head of household or spouse are eligible  Only adults qualify as SPMI so youth would not be eligible.

8 CRISIS HOUSING FUND  Began in 1995  Criteria  Serious Mental Illness  In patient 90 days or less  Chemical or  Mental  Have no income to pay for both treatment and housing  Must be able to RETAIN current housing

9 CRISIS HOUSING FUND  Will pay for:  Rent  Mortgage, and/or  Utilities  Applications and support materials are on line at  Case Manager or MH Professional needs to initial  Applications must be mailed to MHP  Assistance paid within 5 days of receiving the applications

10 CRISIS HOUSING FUND  2005  449 cases served  339 new people  $499,251 spent  Average of $1,111 per case

11 Dave Schultz  Adult Mental Health Program Consultant   Fax 