SF5151

Purpose

To modify and direct funding under the Homework Starts with Home program so it explicitly supports homeless families, those at risk of homelessness, or highly mobile families, with a focus on families with school-aged children in Minneapolis. The bill targets housing stability and homelessness prevention services through a specific partnership in Minneapolis.

Main Provisions

• Reclassifies and clarifies the appropriation for the Homework Starts with Home program under Minnesota Statutes to provide housing stability and homelessness prevention services for eligible families.
• Section 1 designates that $1,000,000 of the FY2027 appropriation be set aside as a grant to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) for the Stable Homes Stable Schools partnership, serving families with school-aged children in the City of Minneapolis.
• The award to MPHA is specified to occur “notwithstanding” typical guidelines, requests for proposals, scoring criteria, or competitive selection requirements, meaning the grant can be awarded outside normal competitive processes.
• Section 2 requires MPHA to receive a grant of $2,000,000 in FY2028 and again in FY2029 for the same Stable Homes Stable Schools partnership.
• The appropriations are available until expended, and the program base from FY2028 onward is $2,000,000 annually.
• The program is aligned with the Homework Starts with Home program as described in Minnesota Statutes 462A.201 subdivision 2 paragraph a clause 4 and 462A.204 subdivision 8.

Funding Details

• FY2027: $1,000,000 grant to MPHA for the Stable Homes Stable Schools partnership to assist homeless families, those at risk of homelessness, or highly mobile families with school-aged children in Minneapolis.
• FY2028: $2,000,000 base funding to MPHA for the same partnership (non-competitive grant process applies per the “notwithstanding” clause).
• FY2029: $2,000,000 grant to MPHA for the same partnership.
• Ongoing: The annual base funding for this program from FY2028 onward is $2,000,000.

Administrative/Process Provisions

• Notwithstanding any guidelines, requests for proposals, scoring criteria, or competitive selection requirements, the agency must award the specified MPHA grants.
• Funds are available until expended, ensuring carryover flexibility if not fully spent in a given year.

Geographic and Beneficiary Focus

• Primary beneficiary: Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and families with school-aged children living in the City of Minneapolis.
• Focus populations: Homeless families, those at risk of homelessness, and highly mobile families.

Notable Changes to Law

• Expands and earmarks specific funding for the MPHA partnership within the Homework Starts with Home program.
• Creates a guaranteed grant path to MPHA for FY2028 and FY2029, bypassing typical competitive processes.
• Establishes a recurring $2,000,000 base funding level for the program starting in FY2028.

Relevant Terms - Homework Starts with Home - Homeless families - Families at risk of homelessness - Highly mobile families - Stable Homes Stable Schools partnership - Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) - Minneapolis - Housing stability - Homelessness prevention services - School-aged children - Fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) - Fiscal year 2028 (FY2028) - Fiscal year 2029 (FY2029) - Notwithstanding - Requests for proposals (RFPs) - Competitive selection requirements - Minnesota Statutes 462A.201(2) and 462A.204(8)