Supportive Housing Programs

Model Cities provides permanent Supportive Housing for those who are considered “chronically homeless.”

According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), chronically homeless is defined as “a homeless individual or a family with children with a disabling condition (adult) who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more, or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years.”

Our Supportive Housing gives families access to housing stability, family support services, agency referrals to address mental health and chemical health needs, parenting education, and community building activities. Through referral services and partnerships with other community-based services, Supportive Housing residents gain access to job development training and placement services, financial literacy education and asset development, independent living skill development, landlord/tenant education, and access to community social events.

Model Cities has two Supportive Housing Programs:

• Sankofa, for youth and young adults ages 17-25 who are either pregnant or parenting a child under the age of 3 years old.
• Families First for adults over the age of 25. Both programs serve single-parent households who have lived in emergency shelters, on the streets, in transitional housing, or in places not meant for human habitation; and who have incomes at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI).

Our first contact with residents is made through referrals received from Ramsey County’s Coordinated Access to Housing and Shelter program. Upon receipt of these referrals, we contact the families within 24 hours to schedule an intake and open their case for services.

Model Cities manages a network of community-based service providers. Case managers coordinate onsite services for residents and referrals to off-site resources. These case management services promote long-term stability for residents and ensure that families do not experience disparities in access, services, or outcomes.

All referrals for Supportive Housing Services must be made by Ramsey County Coordinated Entry.

For more information, please call United Way First Call for Help at 2-1-1 or by cell phone at 651-291-0211.