The bill amends the Homeless Youth Act and introduces the "Pathway Home Act," which includes several appropriations aimed at enhancing services for homeless youth and individuals experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. Key provisions include the allowance for grant recipients to carry over unspent funds from the first year of a two-year grant contract, and the appropriation of $20 million for emergency services grants in both fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Additionally, it allocates funds for the maintenance of the Homeless Management Information System, grants for homeless youth, chosen family grants, and transitional housing programs, with specific amounts designated for each initiative.
Furthermore, the bill appropriates $150 million in fiscal year 2024 for grants to eligible applicants for the development of emergency shelter facilities. This funding is intended for various project-related expenses, including acquisition, construction, and renovation of shelters. The commissioner of human services is tasked with prioritizing projects that expand shelter options and improve existing facilities. The bill emphasizes a competitive proposal process for project selection and mandates that all funded projects comply with state and local building codes. The appropriations are structured to be available until June 30, 2028, ensuring a sustained effort to address homelessness in the state.
Statutes affected: Introduction: 256K.45