Outreach Services : Homeless Prevention & Assistance

Semcac’s Outreach Services offers homeless prevention and assistance as funding is available. The following programs are administered through Semcac's Contact Centers in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona counties:

Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program

This program is designed to decrease homelessness by providing one-time assistance with a rent or mortgage payment for households that need a short-term “bridge” until their financial situation is expected to stabilize. Participants must meet program and income guidelines and be able to financially sustain their housing payment after Semcac's assistance. Participants also agree to follow-up visits.

Rural Housing Assistance and Stability Program

This program provides information, referral, advocacy, and first month's rent and/or security deposit assistance to homeless persons. Participants must meet the HUD definition of homelessness and be able to financially sustain their rental housing after Semcac's assistance.

Freeborn County Homeless Shelter

The homeless shelter consists of three apartments adjoining Semcac's Freeborn County Contact Center in Albert Lea, MN. A case manager meets regularly with each shelter household, helping residents work toward stability, secure permanent housing and transition back into the community. The case manager works one-on-one with the household to develop a growth plan, improve financial literacy, and access other resources such as transportation, child care, job-seeking skills, medical care, food and clothing. Residents may stay at the shelter for up to 90 days.

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