NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bethany Wesley, Communications Director
email: bethanyw@nwmf.org
June 6, 2024 (Bemidji, MN) – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Northwest Minnesota Foundation $2 million to fund a collaborative effort of four organizations in supporting Indigenous youth experiencing housing instability and homelessness.
While NMF receives the funds as the grantee, funds will be sub-granted out in partnership with the Minnesota Tribal Collaborative to Prevent and End Homelessness, the Northeast Minnesota Continuum of Care, and the Northwest Minnesota Continuum of Care.
“We know that there’s a need to address youth homelessness, specifically in our Indigenous communities. We know that we need to build a system of homeless response that advances racial justice with tribal sovereignty at the center,” said Margret Treuer, an NMF program officer.
The funding was the first in the nation to be announced, included in $51.1 million in Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grants to 38 communities across 26 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Not only was $2 million the maximum award amount released, but NMF was the only awardee announced for Minnesota.
The YHSI awards were announced Thursday morning by Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development for HUD, at an in-person appearance in Bemidji alongside additional HUD officials and local and tribal leaders.
There are 10 continuums of care throughout Minnesota, which each coordinate, organize and deliver housing and services to reduce the incidences of homelessness. In 2019, NMF became the “collaborative applicant” for the Northwest Minnesota CoC, meaning that the NWCoC is a planning body separate from NMF itself, yet the foundation employs its coordinator, priority list manager and dedicates additional staff in carrying out its mission.
“NMF is committed to working alongside our partners toward our shared goal of ending homelessness in our region,” said Karen White, NMF president. “Housing is a fundamental human right and we are proud to partner with the region to make sure that safe and secure housing is available to all our neighbors.”
To read the full release from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, click HERE.
