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 Outreach staff coordinate a person-to-person link between community services and the low-income population of the area.
Staff provide information on Semcac's programs and offer referral services for other programs available in the area.
They advocate for and assist participants in completing service application forms.
Semcac has a contact center in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona counties.
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Dodge
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Fillmore
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Freeborn
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Houston
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Mower
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Steele
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Winona
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374-6401
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765-2761
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373-1329
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725-3677
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433-5889
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451-7134
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452-8396
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Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance
This program is designed to decrease homelessness by providing short-term assistance with a rent or mortgage payment. This payment helps families "bridge the gap" between emergency funding and the time they are eligible for subsidized housing or their financial situation changes enables them to become self-sufficient.
Rural Housing Assistance and Stability Program (RHASP)
RHASP funds can be used to provide information, referral, advocacy, and first month's rent and/or deposit assistance to homeless persons. Participants must meet the HUD definition of homelessness.
Freeborn County Homeless Shelter
The homeless shelter consists of three apartments adjoining Semcac's Freeborn County Contact Center in Albert Lea, MN. Staff work daily with each shelter household, helping residents work toward stability, secure permanent housing and transition back into the community. Staff help residents work toward stability through budget counseling, growth plans, and accessing other resources such as transportation, child care, job seeking skills, medical care, food and clothing. Residents can stay at the shelter for up to 90 days.
Emergency Services Program
Emergency services are provided only in some of our county service areas and is available only as funding permits. This program provides motel, food, and/or transportation services to the homeless . Other consumer needs are addressed and a long term plan for stability established. When possible, Semcac strives to provide long term stability to families, not just a few nights in a motel.
Food Shelves
Food Co-ops in Caledonia, Dodge Center, Preston, and Rushford offer individuals and families an option for stretching food dollars. Emergency food is available to anyone experiencing a food crisis. Food Shelf donations are always needed!
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Left: A Food Shelf worker stocks shelves.
Below: The Rushford Food Shelf in July. |
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Energy Assistance