Local Homeless Prevention Aid

Local Homeless Prevention Aid (LHPA) was created by the 2021 Minnesota Legislature to help local governments ensure no child is homeless within a local jurisdiction by keeping families from losing housing and helping those experiencing homelessness find housing. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 477A.30, counties and Tribal governments must use this aid to fund new or existing family homelessness prevention and assistance projects or programs. Each project or program must include plans for:

1. targeting families with children who are eligible for a prekindergarten through grade 12 academic program and are:

   1. living in overcrowded conditions in their current housing;

   2. paying more than 50 percent of their income for rent; or

   3. lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;

2. targeting unaccompanied youth in need of an alternative residential setting;

3. connecting families with the social services necessary to maintain the families’ stability in their homes, including but not limited to housing navigation, legal representation, and family outreach; and

4. one or more of the following:

   1. providing rental assistance for a specified period which may exceed 24 months; or

   2. providing support and case management services to improve housing stability, including but not limited to housing navigation and family outreach.

Request for Proposals - 2026

The Minnesota Department of Revenue allocated $147,902 to Steele County in 2025 to spend by the end of 2026. The Steele County Board of Commissioners have approved this funding to be distributed to community-based nonprofit organizations serving Steele County residents to fund eligible projects/programs that meet the criteria for this aid. Applicants may request awards between $25,000 and $75,000. View the Request for Proposals for more information about this aid program, applicant eligibility, application submission, and more.

Application Materials & Instructions

To be considered for funding, organizations must submit the following documents to SCPHN@SteeleCountyMN.gov by Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, 11:59pm:

• Application - 2026 Steele County Local Homeless Prevention Aid (LHPA) Awards (Word Document)
• IRS Form 990 (or other proof of active nonprofit status)
• Form W-9

Applicants are encouraged to review the Scoring Matrix, which will be used to score applications and determine funding. Preference will be given to proposals that show promise in fulfilling the following selection priorities: Detail, Need, Impact, Reach, Partnership, Equity, Cost-Effectiveness, and Sustainability.