Housing Access Services

Housing Access Services provides one-time moving assistance and individualized support to help people with disabilities and disabling conditions choose where to live and successfully transition into housing of their choice.

Services include housing navigation and coordination; help with applications, budgeting, and landlord engagement; assistance securing affordable, accessible housing; and one-time financial support for deposits, fees, moving costs, and essential household items to establish and maintain housing. Entities eligible for funding to provide these services include counties, Tribal Nations, collaboratives, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations.

Established in 2008, Housing Access Services (Minn. Stat. § 256B.0658) allows the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide grants that help individuals with disabilities access housing in the community as an alternative to institutional care. Initially, eligibility was limited to individuals receiving home and community-based services. In 2019, the Legislature expanded eligibility to include a broader population of individuals with disabilities and disabling conditions. Despite this expansion, the program’s core purpose remains unchanged: to support people in securing housing and living with dignity, independence, and choice.

The program is currently funded at $978,000, with funds awarded to three grantees through a competitive request for proposals process. In state fiscal year 2025, more than 300 individuals statewide received Housing Access Services through funded grantees, helping them secure housing of their choice.

The most recent request for proposals resulted in over $12 million in funding requests, far exceeding the $978,000 available. Applications were submitted by organizations across the state, underscoring the strong demand for this type of funding.

If you are a provider interested in applying for this funding source, please sign up to receive information about requests for proposals through the Minnesota Department of Human Services at  mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/open-rfps/.