Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) AP file
ST. PAUL, MN (KFGO)- Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday that the state is deploying a $40 million investment to expand emergency housing assistance for an estimated 11,000 Minnesota households.
The funding will be distributed to 24 local administrators through the state’s Family Homeless Prevention Assistance Program. The program provides direct financial aid and supportive services to residents facing a housing crisis or who are at imminent risk of losing their homes.
“Minnesotans are working hard, but too many families are feeling squeezed by the rising cost of everyday life,” Walz said in a statement. “One unexpected setback shouldn’t mean losing your home.”
The investment was proposed by Walz following a state initiative called Operation Metro Surge, and it was approved by the Legislature earlier this year as part of the state budget.
Minnesota Housing, the state’s housing finance agency, will begin finalizing grant contract amendments with the 24 local program administrators this summer. State officials expect the emergency funds to be fully deployed to communities by Dec. 31.
According to the governor’s office, the funding builds on previous legislative efforts to address housing affordability and homelessness, including a historic $1 billion housing package passed during the Walz administration.
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