St. Paul Housing Authority Tackles Homelessness with “Familiar Faces” Program Expansion
- Meeting Overview:
The recent St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority meeting focused on the challenges of homelessness and the expansion of the “Familiar Faces” program, which provides intensive care management to individuals frequently utilizing emergency services. The initiative aims to stabilize individuals by addressing root causes, such as behavioral health and housing issues, with a person-centered approach.
12:46The “Familiar Faces” program, a key focus of the meeting, was highlighted as a componet in addressing homelessness in St. Paul. This initiative targets individuals who are often seen cycling through emergency services without achieving lasting stability. A detailed staff report explained the program’s multifaceted approach, which includes intensive care management, outreach, case management, and behavioral health services. The program envisions a 24-hour facility dedicated to supporting these individuals by serving as a grounding location and facilitating connections to necessary services.
21:42Initial outreach efforts have seen approximately 30-35 individuals receive direct services, with housing placements facilitated for about 20 individuals. The program emphasizes collaboration with community providers and city departments to fill service gaps and improve outcomes. The focus is on building trust with individuals, understanding their unique circumstances, and creating personalized care plans that address the root causes of their situations. The program also acknowledges the difficulty in achieving housing stability, citing challenges such as eviction rates and the effectiveness of current housing providers.
22:22A concern raised during the meeting was the increasing rate of evictions among permanent supportive housing providers. Commissioners discussed the importance of viewing housing programs not just as temporary solutions but as opportunities for long-term stability.
30:33The participants also debated the operationalization of a 24-hour facility, with alternatives such as scattered site placements being considered. Funding constraints, particularly HUD guidelines, which specify the use of funds for non-congregate shelter, were noted as challenges. The meeting revealed ongoing discussions about different sheltering models, including “village” models with lower overheads, as the authority seeks to adapt to current needs.
51:22The meeting also touched on the “Familiar Families” program, which mirrors the “Familiar Faces” initiative but targets families experiencing recurring homelessness. This program emerged from community service provider discussions and aims to deliver tailored services to families to break cycles of homelessness. Funding for both initiatives was discussed, with the city allocating $500,000 from the Housing Trust Fund, matched by the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation with an additional $250,000.
59:04Participants raised questions about the long-term funding strategy for these programs, given shifting federal and state funding dynamics. The necessity of well-coordinated services to address the needs of vulnerable populations was emphasized, and the importance of data in informing funding decisions and program development was underscored.
01:01:16The ongoing dialogue during the meeting also delved into the broader context of funding and support systems. Participants noted the city’s need to rethink community safety and support structures, particularly through the Office of Neighborhood Safety. The importance of capturing data and successful community initiative narratives was stressed to prioritize budgetary decisions effectively. The concept of “swapping dollars” was introduced.
01:07:32The upcoming opening of a new family shelter space in Bandana Square was another significant topic. This former hotel is being converted to serve families, with hopes for it to be operational in the coming months, pending court approvals. The conversation also touched upon the differences in programming for families compared to individuals, highlighting the need for tailored approaches.
55:10Commissioners expressed excitement over the strategic investments in supportive housing through the Heading Home, Ramsey initiative, which involves $800,000 from the city. The governing board’s role in determining funding sources and releasing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) was clarified.
Melvin Carter
Housing Authority Officials:
Cheniqua Johnson, Saura Jost, HwaJeong Kim, Nelsie Yang, Nicolle Newton (Executive Director)
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Meeting Type:
Housing Authority
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
06/18/2025
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Recording Published:
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Duration:
86 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Noteworthy
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Ramsey County
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Towns:
St. Paul
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