Report to the Community 2024 - St. Louis County Public Health

St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services

Public Health, Children & Family Services, Home & Community Based Services, Behavioral Health, and Economic Services & Supports

OUR VISION

is a community where all people are safe and healthy.

OUR MISSION

is to protect, promote, and improve the health and quality of life in St Louis County.
We do this through a diverse set of programs, services, and initiatives that work at all levels and throughout our community.

Our goal is to help people achieve a better life. We do this by helping people we serve overcome – or make progress despite – the obstacles blocking their path to self-sufficiency and by working in partnership to improve the health of our entire community.

Sometimes individuals and communities face challenges that affect their health and quality of life. St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services works to prevent those challenges and offers a helping hand when life’s obstacles seem insurmountable. We guide people through their challenges and direct them to appropriate resources.

Service Centers

Service centers are conveniently located in four communities throughout our county. Each center provides access to financial, social, and public health services. For the most up-to-date access information, please visit our website at stlouiscountymn.gov/phhs

Public Health

At St. Louis County Public Health, we work to improve the health and well-being of every resident by promoting equity, preventing disease, protecting against health risks, and fostering partnerships with the community.

Through evidence-based strategies, ongoing outreach, education, and a commitment to respect and dignity, we strive to remove barriers to health so all residents can be safe and thrive. We are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in delivering high-quality public health services that meet the evolving needs of our community.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

Our vision is that every St. Louis County resident has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.

We are a trusted partner supporting efforts that build community power to change the underlying systems and conditions that drive health inequity. We lead with humility, integrity, and innovation. Through collaboration with partners, we contribute to a resilient community by creating safe, supportive environments where well-being flourishes across all stages of life.

Our Values

Hover over the sections below to learn more.

Click the sections below to learn more.

Integrity

We uphold the highest standards of accountability by taking responsibility for our actions and acting with honesty, humility, and ethical principles. We honor the public’s trust through integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in all public health efforts.

Empathy

We approach public health with empathy, understanding and respecting the unique needs of individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to offering compassionate service and care, recognizing that emotional, physical, and social well-being are interconnected.

Innovation

We embrace innovation as a key driver of public health progress. Through creative and forward-thinking approaches, we tackle challenges and create solutions that are data-informed and build on community strengths, ensuring a healthier future for all.

Equity

We treat all individuals, families, and communities with compassion, dignity, and respect and seek to ensure all voices are heard. We are committed to creating a fair and just public health system that provides equitable opportunities for optimal health and safety. We value many kinds of expertise, including varied educational backgrounds, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge.

Collaboration

We work together with our community, prioritizing mutual respect, diversity, and trust. By sharing data and resources, we focus on improving health outcomes and strengthening our public health system. We support the work of our community partners and share the power to change systems and policies that lead to inequity.

Addressing Community Needs

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is a cycle in which we collect and review data about our community’s health and use that information to plan public health initiatives. The community health assessment looks at the conditions in which we live, work, learn, and play. This helps us determine the priority health areas most impacting our community. In 2024, we finalized our health improvement plan priorities for the next five years, with a focus on three subject areas – mental health, substance misuse, and sexually transmitted infection prevention. To read more detail about our CHIP and our action plans, CLICK HERE to access the dashboard of activities.

Click image to enlarge

Public Health Strategic Plan Updated

In 2024, St. Louis County Public Health engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process to establish a five year strategic plan. The planning process followed a phased approach, based on the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) strategic planning framework. That process included laying the groundwork, engaging community partners and internal staff, performing an environmental scan and a SWOT analysis, reworking the vision, mission, and values, and developing and detailing 10 strategic priorities.

An overview of the plan can be found by clicking HERE.

Some of the ways Public Health Follows the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities Framework to support the health needs of our community:

Communicable Disease Prevention

Responding to Hepatitis C: St. Louis County received funding from the Minnesota Department of Health to increase capacity to test, provide referrals for further testing and treatment, and provide education around Hepatitis C. In 2024, 140 individuals were tested for Hepatitis C at community partner sites and events.

SLC continues to partner with many community agencies to address HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) including syphilis testing, developing resources to distribute to those most at risk, and offering at home HIV test kits.

We continue to keep healthcare and community partners updated related to infectious diseases and are working collaboratively on prevention and response efforts. Through our community co-design work, we are working with individuals that represent community partners in learning more about why STI’s are so prevalent. Through our CHA/CHIP work, we are working with schools, colleges and other community organizations to share information about STI’s. We have staff involved in several community groups, including the HIV Outreach and Public Engagement Group (HOPE) and the Community Health Alliance North (CHAN) group. Public Health has regular meetings with other counties and Tribal health partners in the region, along with representatives from MDH, to share information, align approaches, and maximize resources.

Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention

Substance Misuse

Through our substance misuse prevention work, we collaborate with partners to provide leadership and technical assistance, understand gaps, leverage surveillance of data trends, promote education, and support community prevention efforts. We aim to shift misperceptions and stigma and establish harm reduction as a prevention strategy.

medication lock boxes were distributed to families to aid in preventing accidental medication and drug ingestion, while reminding families to keep medications and mind-altering substances out of reach of children. This was done in partnership with Children’s Dental Service and the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA).

250

fentanyl test strip kits were distributed to community partners for them to pass along to clients and individuals.

2,200

pounds of medications were collected between the two drug take back days in April & October as well as from the year-round medication drop boxes at our Sheriff’s Offices.

1,600

Mental Health

We promote positive mental health by offering technical assistance to community organizations and partners regarding mental health awareness, suicide prevention, local policies and procedures. Our public health staff works with local partners, recognizing that building community health requires careful planning, information-sharing, and many skilled contributors.

trainings on mental health and suicide prevention topics, reaching over 170 people throughout the county.

12

89

unique engagements with the community through coalition meetings, education sessions, community health assessment interviews, and community events.

Serving the aging adult population

St Louis County Public Health was awarded advanced recognition by Trust for America’s Health Age-Friendly Public Health Systems for our efforts to make our county healthier for the aging population. We are the first county in the state of Minnesota to achieve this recognition.

We initiated a monthly Lunch and Learn program at the Hibbing Public Library. Since May of 2024, we hosted 8 presenters on topics such as wills and probate, medical assistance 101, fall prevention, fraud and scams, and seasonal affective disorder, reaching out to 66 community members.

We provided care coordination to 5,971 Blue Plus members in the community and nursing facilities. Blue Plus is one of the managed care plans available to the 65+ population on Medical Assistance in our county. We provide assessment, referrals, and assistance navigating the Medicaid system, to make sure our aging population has their needs met.

The Aging Adult Health Unit assisted three northern communities to enter the Age-Friendly communities network.

Addressing Environmental Public Health Issues

Health begins where we live, learn, work, and play. We all live in conditions that we cannot individually control but that can affect our health — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the conditions in which we live. St. Louis County Public Health protects against environmental health hazards by addressing aspects of living conditions that may pose risks to health. Public Health professionals work to mitigate risks such as exposure to lead contamination and public health nuisances.

Public Health Nurses responded to 56 cases of acute lead toxicity in children and pregnant women; worked with health partners to abate environmental risks and address lead toxicity.

Public Health staff followed up on 79 animal bite reports in St. Louis County for the prevention of rabies infections and 7 public health nuisance complaints.

The specialized asthma program served 7 families with 13 total home visits from a Public Health Nurse. Additionally, they were provided environmental assessments, care coordination, case management, and durable medical equipment for income qualified families.

Access to and Linkage with Clinical Care

Access to quality healthcare services is a critical factor in maintaining one’s physical and mental well-being. We work to ensure that residents have access to the spectrum of care – promoting the use of primary care, especially for our youngest residents, all the way to connecting aging adults to health services.

13,646

contacts provided for the promotion of well-child and primary care doctor visits.

985

dental visits supported through a partnership with St. Louis County Public Health and Children’s Dental Services.

Maternal, Child & Family Health

The Family Health and Supports team in St. Louis County provides free, voluntary home visiting services and supports to families within our community. Our nurses provide client-centered, direct education and support, make referrals, and coordinate services for both the caregiver and child to help the whole family thrive during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. We also work directly with a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) to help families that are experiencing substance misuse. By coming alongside families during this critical time in life, we can empower them to create the best start possible for them and for their children.

30

group parenting sessions were offered and

233

individuals completed.

3,310

home visits by Public Health Nurses.

2,612

monthly participants in Women Infant & Children (WIC) Clinics.

1,409

Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons distributed to St. Louis County WIC participants were redeemed at 5 farmers markets within St. Louis County resulting in $7,045 of fresh produce purchased from local farmers.

The WIC program not only supports individuals and families with their nutritional needs, but has a direct local economic impact. In 2024 there was a total of $2.18M distributed to WIC participants in St. Louis County, with a monthly average of $182,300. When redeemed, these food dollars support local businesses and grocery stores.

In 2024, our Heart-to-Heart program, which works directly with women experiencing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, was nationally recognized as a “Model Practice” by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

(Pictured left to right) Lori Tremmel Freeman Chief Executive Officer for the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), Emily Lian SLC Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Lisa Konicek SLC Public Health Nurse Coordinator, Juliana Olson SLC Public Health Nurse, Hannah Osborne SLC Public Health Nurse Senior, and Michael Kilkenny, MD, MS President of NACCHO

We also initiated two community co-design projects to collaborate with community members who are directly impacted by the work; one project was focused on Birth Equity for Black and Native birthing people, while the other is focused on Perinatal Substance Use disorders. To date, our co-designers have conducted more than 45 interviews in the community.

Children & Family Services

The Children and Family Services Division works with children and their families, with the goal of keeping children in their homes and in the care of people with whom they have an existing relationship. We partner with families to provide preventive services, supportive resources, intervention, and, when necessary, placements to ensure safety, permanency and well-being for children.

VISION

All children in our community flourish because families are able to safely care for and meet their needs.

MISSION

We strive to keep children in their homes and in the care of people with whom they have an existing relationship. We partner with families to provide preventative services, supportive resources, interventions and, when necessary, placements to ensure safety, permanency and well-being for children.

Click the icons below to learn more.

Child Safety

Family Preservation

Family Centered Collaboration

Strengths-based

Culturally Responsive

Child Well-being

Creating culturally responsive and family-friendly spaces

Children and Family Services strives to partner with families experiencing difficult circumstances. One way in which we can convey a collaborative relationship, is to provide spaces that are family-friendly, welcoming, and culturally responsive.

One of the courtrooms in the Virginia Courthouse was renovated to become a more welcoming space. A round table with chairs replaced the Judge’s bench, signifying a more collaborative approach versus adversarial. New carpet and fresh paint have been installed and a local artist was commissioned to paint a beautiful nature-inspired mural on the back wall of the courtroom (pictured above).

In Duluth, family-focused spaces were also created at the Government Services Center. A cheerful living room provides space for family meetings, visits, or parenting groups. A kitchenette is available as well as cozy kid nooks for creative play. A conference room was designed to support smudging and honor Indigenous values, ceremonies, and cultural practices. The room was named by a community elder who also works as a social worker in Children and Family Services. MaaMakaaj means amazing in Ojibwe and is a fitting name for the thoughtfully designed space and the years of effort and collaboration it took to support smudging practice within a child welfare institution.

children were served in voluntary programs during 2023.

children were served through mental health case management.

children were subjects of a screened-in maltreatment report.

children entered out of home placement during 2024 and there were a total of 728 children in out of home placement at some point during the year.

Placement Discharges in 2024

Click image to enlarge

Working with Tribal Partners to Support American Indian Families

St. Louis County Children and Families Services serves families throughout the county. One area of focus is our work with Indigenous families and partnering with Tribes to provide those services. The work is guided by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), and St. Louis County aims to honor the spirit of the laws, as well as the requirements. The requirements include inquiry, timely MIFPA and ICWA notices to Tribes, active efforts, placement preferences, and Qualified Expert Witness (QEW). The Department of Human Services reviews county performance in meeting the above requirements through random case audits, with the expectation of 100% compliance.

St. Louis County neighbors two Tribal Nations: Fond du Lac and Bois Forte. Since 2018, Children and Family Services has contracted with both tribes to provide culturally specific, in-home supports for the Indigenous families being served.

2024 Department of Human Services Data The graphic above depicts SLC’s compliance vs. the rest of the state. CFS staff are committed to the work and achieved close to 100%, as well as surpassed the state average.

Click image to enlarge

Keeping Families Safely Together

Children and Family Services (CFS) is working to improve earlier intervention and prevention efforts with the hope to decrease child maltreatment and out-of-home placements for children. This requires building a comprehensive prevention continuum that can meet the needs of all children and families.

Hover over the sections below to learn more.

Click the sections below to learn more.

Parent Support Outreach Program

A voluntary, early intervention program that focuses on a family’s strengths and needs, and aims to help children and parents thrive. 358 children participated in PSOP case management and 147 families were served.

Family Resource Centers

Family Resource Centers continue to move forward under the direction of the St. Louis County Family Services Collaborative. Family Resource Centers are designed to serve as a one-stop shop to meet family needs. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is developing a mobile model in North St. Louis County, in addition to Family Resource Center hubs at Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness (VEMA) in Chisholm and Ely Resource Center. In South St. Louis County the Valley Youth Center, Lincoln Park Children and Family Collaborative, and Lutheran Social Services have collaborated to provide neighborhood hubs of support and an alternative to traditional county support services.

Family Support Services

Voluntary, time-limited services aimed at assisting families to be healthy, safe, and remain together. Family Support Workers assess family needs, connect families with resources, and provide solution-based supports. 99 families were served.

Public Health Home Visiting partnerships

Social workers and public health nurses collaborate to improve family health and safety. Specialized, multidisciplinary services are offered to minor parents and parents impacted by prenatal or postnatal substance abuse. 69 pregnant individuals were served.

Children’s Mental Health case management

In 2024, children’s mental health case managers helped 152 children and their families access community resources including behavioral health, educational, medical, vocational, and social supports. The Children’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services program provided home-based clinical services to children most at risk of hospitalization or placement disruption.

Intensive Family-Based Services

In home, trauma informed support to help parents increase parenting skills, enhance coping strategies and foster family resiliency. Circles of Security parenting groups are offered to strengthen secure parent-child relationships. 69 families were served. Additionally, 81 families successfully completed Circles of Security.

Economic Services
& Supports

The Economic Services and Supports (ESS) Division administers state and federal programs that provide assistance to those in need. This includes medical care, food, cash, child care, child support, and emergency assistance.

Per month, employees served an average of

people and

households with an average benefit of

through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

$ 0

Over

was issued through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

$ 0

was provided to people from General Assistance and Minnesota Supplemental Aid cash.

$ 0

ESS provided

in emergency assistance to

$ 0

households.

low-income individuals received healthcare through Medical Assistance (Medicaid).

children were able to access child care with Child Care Assistance totalling

$ 0 .

The county assisted with
the final interment of

individuals.

(The ESS Division provides child support services on behalf of the state to promote parental responsibility so children receive the financial support of both parents when they do not live together. This includes establishing parentage and helping to locate the non-custodial parent; establishing, reviewing, and enforcing court orders for support; and collecting and processing child support and spousal maintenance payments.)

IN 2024, ESS handled

child support cases and collected

$ 0 .

Our financial assistance programs serve as a short-term safety net that helps to stabilize families in need and guide them toward self–sufficiency.

Click image to enlarge

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

The MFIP program is designed to help families meet their economic needs. Families receive cash and food benefits from the county while working one-on-one with an employment counselor to make an individualized plan to help them reach their goals and move toward self-sufficiency. St Louis County partners with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Center (AEOA), City of Duluth, Community Action Duluth, Human Development Center (HDC), Jobs Empowerment Training (JET, formerly NEMOJT) and SOAR Career Solutions to provide employment and training services for individuals we serve.

The Minnesota Family Investment Program provided

in support, with an average of

$ 0

individuals served each month.

Watch a story about a family that used this program.

Home and Community-
Based Services

The Home & Community Based Services division serves children and adults who may benefit from services/supports for needs related to disabilities, brain injuries, developmental disabilities, and aging.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the ways we serve our community:

The MnCHOICES
intake team triaged

calls.

people were served with disability waivers, with

spent.

$ 0

people received Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS) with

service hours provided and

spent.

$ 0

MnCHOICES Assessments &

MnCHOICES Reassessments were completed.

people received services through Elderly Waiver, Alternative Care, and Essential Community Supports.

children / young adults were helped with a Family Support Grant with

spent.

$ 0

Creating a Safety Net

The Home and Community Based Services Division is thoughtfully defining and developing our role as a “safety net.” Our current safety net support includes case management for children, transition age youth, and adults and children in interim (short-term) situations. In 2024, Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) was launched by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. CFSS is replacing the PCA and Consumer Support Grant programs. We are committed to helping people through this transition.

Our work is person-focused

We value a person’s right to make their own decisions and manage their life (self-determination). We engage in an informed decision-making process to support people in choosing the services and resources that best meet their unique needs and the achievement of their personal goals. We focus on a person’s desired outcomes, preferences, experience and potential impact on their quality of life.

For example, if someone wants to work but needs support to do so, the case manager would discuss options and work with employment support providers and/or local businesses to offer work experiences aligning with the person’s preferences. Job shadowing may be another option. A person may also be able to meet with multiple employment support providers to find the one that is best for them. Informed choice offers individuals dignity of risk, independence, and the opportunity for self-determination that includes a person deciding how, when, and where they want support provided to them.

Focus on Employment

Many people with disabilities want an opportunity to be part of the general workforce, but don’t see how it’s possible or aren’t given resources they need to work. Minnesota works to help people with disabilities find competitive, integrated employment. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) supports an Employment First approach. Visit this link to learn more: Employment First / Minnesota Department of Human Services.

In 2024, St Louis County was awarded a 2-5 year Lead Agency Employment First Capacity-Building Grant. We are engaged in a strategic planning process with the Minnesota Transformation Initiative to develop competitive, integrated employment options for people with disabilities. We are passionate about working with community businesses to explore and develop competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Christina’s story

Christina is a young lady who is very active in community activities, work, and family. Christina is extremely active in Special Olympics – bowling, track and field, and football. She participates in league bowling once a week. Christina attends church most Sundays with her mom and then goes to visit her puppy, Archer. She also visits Archer and her mom at least one other day after work. She goes out to dinner with her dad at least monthly.

Christina moved into Community Residential Services two years ago. Things went smoothly for the first year but then changes started to happen. A couple of housemates moved out and two new housemates moved in. These changes were stressful for Christina. Just like all of us, when we experience changes, our stress increases, and we might not be happy.

We opted to bring in Community Support Services to help provide some guidance on how to help Christina. One of the recommendations was to create a vision plan. (You can learn more about vision plans by clicking HERE.) Christina and her team created “Christina’s World”. The team listed the positive things about Christina, identified who is there to help her get to the next level, and noted her strengths.

The team worked with Christina to identify next steps to increase her independence and who will assist her. Christina identified where she wants to be in one year and in five years. Christina’s vision plan identifies what is ‘positively possible’ for her to attain and things she dreams of being able to do. One of her dreams is to go to LegoLand in California. This will take a while to accomplish – saving money and planning. Within a year, Christina plans to go to LegoLand at the Mall of America with staff.

Christina’s Vision Plan

Christina enjoys a Vikings game.

Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health division provides case management for adults with mental health needs and those seeking substance use and recovery support. We work to secure grant funding for community providers to support the needs of those experiencing homelessness or who need housing support and protect vulnerable adults from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

The Behavioral Health division consists of four areas:

Adult mental health

We provide case management services for people with a serious and persistent mental illness and services from assertive community treatment teams in the community and via specialty courts.

Substance use and recovery

We provide comprehensive assessments and treatment coordination for people who need assistance navigating services.

Housing and homelessness

We work to secure grant funding for community partners to provide shelter beds, outreach services, staff for the coordinated-entry system, and assistance with rent and utilities. Staff from this unit coordinate the continuum of care, organize the point-in-time count, and long-term homeless bed development.

Adult protection and guardianship

We assess or investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. We offer services to vulnerable adults and the people that support them to help reduce or eliminate future harm. Guardianship is a program for persons for whom the Court has appointed a decision maker to make certain decisions on behalf of the person subject to guardianship.

A snapshot of some of our work

reports received for adult protection with

cases opened.

people served through guardianship.

individuals were supported through assertive community treatment teams (community-based mental health services).

comprehensive assessments were completed by SLC.

adults have received mental health case management (346 South and 251 North)

people screened for civil commitments as ordered by the courts resulting in

people civilly committed for mental illness, chemical dependence, or both.

people were supported through intensive case management as part of specialty courts.

Crisis Services

The Department of Human Services funds crisis services in the county, which St. Louis County manages.

Yellow Leaf has 12 crisis stabilization beds with an average occupancy rate of

Crisis Stabilization is a critical service that is utilized across the county. In Southern SLC, Yellow Leaf began providing services on 2/15/24.

0 %.

In Northern SLC, Wellstone has 10 crisis stabilization beds with an average occupancy rate of

0 %.

Crisis response providers, county staff, and law enforcement work with 911 dispatch to offer crisis response services to callers who do not need a police response. 988 also receives direct calls from the community.

Northern SLC received

calls to crisis response and

calls to 988.

Southern SLC received

calls to crisis response and

calls to 988.

CORE Unit

The CORE Unit is a community collaborative made up of two licensed independent clinical social workers, one from St. Louis County and one from the Human Development Center, and two Duluth Police officers that have mental health training. This team is located at the downtown Duluth Transit Center and works closely with community partners to address the needs of individuals in our community with high risk factors.

This fall there was a person who was new to the area that began working with the CORE unit following an incident of hanging off an overpass. This happened in the early hours of the morning and the person was transported to the hospital. This person was discharged a few days later and presented at HDC’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care looking for assistance with housing. While there, the person started to get agitated and crisis workers were concerned for their safety, 911 was called and CORE responded. The person became verbally aggressive and visibly agitated at the sight of law enforcement. They walked off after a brief conversation with the CORE social worker.

Following this interaction, the person was kicked out of the homeless shelter after getting in an altercation with another guest, put a hole in the wall at a crisis stabilization center and made vague threats to staff while they were completing a transport for the person. The person was officially referred to CORE in October by patrol. There was an increase in 911 calls and the HDC crisis response team notified CORE that the person had called them stating that they had a knife to their throat but “staff” at an unknown location took it away. The person refused to disclose their location and a few days later, after a separate incident occurred, the person was brought into the hospital by patrol. The CORE unit was notified and the CORE social workers worked closely with the hospital social workers to provide information on the persons behavior. With the help of the HDC crisis response team and the homeless outreach workers, CORE was able to assist in keeping a housing appointment for this person while in the hospital so they could receive the services that they needed.

In 2024 CORE received

calls and

of these people received services.

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) has been working with an individual for just over two years. This person was chronically unhoused, for over a decade, and was having consistent law enforcement interaction related to symptoms of psychosis and substance use. ACT became involved after a lengthy hospital stay for stabilization and civil commitment.

Since then, ACT has supported this individual by providing intensive community services that have included home-based psychiatry visits, nursing visits for medication management, individual dual diagnosis treatment with an emphasis on harm reduction, and case management visits. Through repeated engagement efforts, this individual has been able to build trust and positive relationships with social services, even letting a member of the team into his apartment, something he had not typically done due to experiencing paranoia. Other positive outcomes include: 1) reduced hospitalizations, 2) reduced need for physical health care related to weather exposure and substance use, 3) connection with family during an end-of-life situation, and 4) appropriate grief support when this individual lost a long-term partner and natural support who was his closest and most important relationship in life. Through all of this, he has shown resilience and increased insight.

These outcomes highlight the importance of stable housing, harm reduction, and community supports. ACT appreciates the collaboration with CORE (see article above), Community Involvement Group, and the Human Development Center in supporting this individual.

HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS

Our Housing and Homelessness Programs team does a lot of work behind the scenes to support the critical work of our partners across the continuum from prevention, shelter and street outreach to navigation services and permanent supportive housing. This involves significant planning, coordination, collaboration, grant management, evaluation and systems change work focusing on equity and lived experience.

Range Transitional Housing opened an emergency family shelter in Virginia. There are four units -one that is accessible, and the others are 2- or 3-bedroom units. This is the first family emergency shelter in Virginia, opened at the end of 2024.

Here are a few snapshots.

To provide prevention/assistance, emergency, permanent supportive and transitional housing, St. Louis County applied for and coordinated over $8 million through competitive state and federal funding to support local community organizations. This includes federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and state funds from the MN Department of Human Services (DHS) and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)/Minnesota Housing.

FY2023 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CoC NOFO award included a total of 31 grants at $4,018,912; this includes an increase of almost $400,000 than past years and two new projects for a total of 31 projects funded across St. Louis County.

We continue to expand the MN Department of Human Services (DHS) Housing Support program in St. Louis County, providing housing and supportive services for people who have experienced long-term homelessness (LTH). We currently have 438 authorized LTH community-based beds.

We are seeing the number of people who are seeking shelter increase across our county and have been able to fiscally support the tremendous efforts of partners across the county to expand shelter and permanent supportive housing. This includes shelter expansion in Hibbing, Virginia and Duluth.

Our Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP), funded by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)/Minnesota Housing partners expanded in 2024 to also include One Roof Community Housing, American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), and Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness (VEMA) in addition to AEOA, Justice North, United Way 2-1-1, The Salvation Army, Life House, and Chum. This past year, 729 households at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness were supported through FHPAP to maintain or obtain housing via $1,519,616.53 specifically in FHPAP direct assistance.

Supporting Homeless Youth

We are working with partners and stakeholders across sectors and PHHS divisions to address youth homelessness. Components of this work include, but are not limited to:

Revamp our coordinated entry system assessment and access points (for all humans facing homelessness and housing instability).

Work on a Direct Cash Transfer pilot project that will be designed by young people with lived experience with a research component that could provide a new pathway out of homelessness.

Coordinate Local Homeless Prevention Aid (LHPA) funds with community partners to prevent young people and families from experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Public Health and Human Services depends on, and is grateful for the support of:

Our outstanding, creative, and committed staff.
The Public Health and Human Services Advisory Committee and other advisory committees and community coalitions.
The dedicated community partners throughout our county.
Carlton-Cook-Lake-St. Louis Community Health Board.
The St. Louis County Board.