An official website of the POLICY 3: Housing stability
This policy states:
Develop programming and support local, regional, and state policy that makes it less likely for residents in the region to experience housing instability and homelessness, with focused support for people who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
ACTIONS
Provide
Actions that describe how the Met Council will direct actions and support regional housing goals through programs, assistance, and funding, including grant priorities and criteria, voucher programs, and technical assistance.
Plan
Actions that describe how the Met Council adopts plans under the regional development guide through its housing authority to review municipal comprehensive plan updates and plan for other integral processes that will encompass the physical, social, or economic needs of the region.
Partner
Actions that describe how the Met Council will collaborate with residents, local governments, organizations, and regional experts to improve housing choice and accessibility and reduce housing inequities. These actions also describe how the Met Council will seek national and state opportunities to engage on housing issues that further the vision and values of the region.
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Livable Communities Act programs prioritize funding housing projects that serve residents who are or have experienced homelessness and/or incorporate supportive services.
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Improve outreach and work to simplify access and reduce barriers to Met Council rental assistance programs.
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As part of developing outreach efforts, partner with American Indian community organizations to target new voucher holders, including through programs like Bring It Home.
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Increase the capacity to connect with individuals using transit as shelter (via Housing Action Team and program partners) to find appropriate housing options and supports.
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Offer technical assistance for local communities to develop and refine programs that provide housing stability, including partnerships with education systems and social services providers.
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When using Met Council-owned land for development, seek opportunities to prioritize housing options accessible to residents experiencing housing instability and/or voucher holders.
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Develop best practices and technical assistance to support local tenant protection policies, specifically around rent stabilization and eviction.
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Support continued participation in project-based subsidy programs by engaging property owners and emphasizing the community benefits of participation.
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Prioritize developments that incorporate supportive services for allocating project-based vouchers.
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Prioritize American Indian-led organizations for funding and partnerships when serving American Indian People.
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Local comprehensive plans should include any available data about homelessness and need for shelter in the community and define how the city will address housing instability.
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Continue to apply the creation of newly constructed High Priority Homeless units towards a local government’s allocation of Future Affordable Housing Need.
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Collaborate with counties, Community Action Partnerships, Continuums of Care, schools, and other partners on funding sources and priorities for ending homelessness in the region.
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The Met Council will identify opportunities for American Indian organizations to apply for funding through its partnerships with organizations such as Continuums of Care and the Fair Housing Implementation Council (FHIC).
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Continue collaboration with state agencies via Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.
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Engage with people with lived experience of homelessness to guide Met Council policies, programs, and plans and compensate participants who serve in a consulting role.
- Convene partners throughout the region to set goals and address the need for shelter as a regional issue.
- Increase the capacity of partnerships with community organizations, housing authorities, and schools to develop place-based supportive services and programming (such as Homework Starts with Home) to assist voucher holders with achieving stability in a place of their choice.
