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Minnesota Housing Resources

MN Housing Rights and Legal Issues

  • Disability Minnesota: Housing
    Disability Minnesota provides a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues. We also provide access to laws, statutes, and regulations in pertinent disability-related areas brought to you by a collaborative group of state agencies.
  • Minnesota Department of Human Rights
    190 E 5th Street, Suite 700, St. Paul, MN 55101
    Phone: 651-296-5663; 800-657-3704; TTY: 651-296-1283
    The MN Department of Human Rights’ mission is to make Minnesota discrimination free including discrimination based on disability, family status, public assistance status, sex, national origin and race. The department is a neutral state agency that investigates charges of illegal discrimination including reasonable accommodations made for people with disabilities and housing discrimination.
  • Mid-MN Legal Assistance (MMA)
    The oldest corporate component of MMLA —the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis— was founded in 1913. LASM is also the state-designated Protection and Advocacy agency for persons in Minnesota with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other disabilities. And it is the state Client Assistance Program that protects the rights of those seeking services from the vocational rehabilitation system.
  • MN Legal Services Coalition (LawHelpMN.org)
    LawHelpMN.org provides information for low-income Minnesotan's to solve civil legal problems. The Housing Link provides information on a variety of topics including housing fact sheets, housing discrimination, public and subsidized housing, eviction. The Disability Link provides information on Home and Community Based Services, MA, SSI, Guardianship and Conservatorship as well as other topics.
  • Tenants Rights in Minnesota written by MN Legal Services Coalition State Support Center
  • Housing Reasonable Accommodations
    Under federal fair housing and anti-discrimination laws, a "reasonable accommodation" is a change in rules, policies or practices that allows a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their housing.
  • Housing Court, Hennepin County
    Phone: 612-348-5186
    Housing Court was created as a specialty court to provide an accessible and efficient forum for litigants with landlord and tenant disputes.

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Civil Rights in Human Services

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DHS Consumer Service Standards, Rights & Protection

  • DHS Licensed Programs and Services
    • Laws, Rules
      The Department of Human Services Disability Services Division is governed by many different laws and rules. This link includes a helpful pull down menu to navigate the topics of most interest to you.
  • Licensing Information for Developmental Disabilities/Related Conditions, MN Statutes, Chapter 245B
    The Consolidated Standards, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245B govern services to persons with mental retardation or related conditions receiving services from license holders providing residential-based habilitation; day training and habilitation services for adults; supported employment; semi-independent living services; residential programs that serve more than four consumers, including intermediate care facilities for persons with mental retardation; and respite care provided outside the consumer's home for more than four consumers at the same time at a single site.
  • Licensing information for Children and Adult Mental Health, MN Statutes, Chapter 256B

    Additional information provided on Housing and Mental Health Services for Children and Adults
  • DHS Licensing Information Look up
    Search for information about licensed providers by name, city, county, ZIP code, program type or license number.
  • What is Informed Choice?
    A consumer must be given Informed Choice. Informed choice is a voluntary decision made by a person or their legal representative after becoming familiarized with alternatives (housing and services) to:
    • Select from a number of feasible alternatives
    • Select an alternative that may be developed in the future
    • Refuse any or all alternatives
  • What is the Patient's Bill of Rights (MN Statute 144.651)
    A summary of the Patients and Residents of Health Care Facilities Bill of Rights covers all patients or residents in Minnesota health care facilities.
  • Consumer Rights 245B.04
    Service-related rights
    A consumer's service-related rights include the right to:
    • Refuse or terminate services and be informed of the consequences of refusing or terminating services;
    • Know, in advance, limits to the services available from the license holder;
    • Know conditions and terms governing the provision of services, including those related to initiation and termination;
    • Know what the charges are for services, regardless of who will be paying for the services, and be notified upon request of changes in those charges;
    • Know, in advance, whether services are covered by insurance, government funding, or other sources, and be told of any charges the consumer or other private party may have to pay; and
    • Receive licensed services from individuals who are competent and trained, who have professional certification or licensure, as required, and who meet additional qualifications identified in the individual service plan.
    Protection-related rights
    The consumer's protection-related rights include the right to:
    • Have personal, financial, services, and medical information kept private, and be advised of the license holder's policies and procedures regarding disclosure of such information;
    • Access records and recorded information;
    • Be free from maltreatment;
    • Be treated with courtesy and respect for the consumer's individuality, mode of communication, and culture, and receive respectful treatment of the consumer's property;
    • Voice grievances, know the contact persons responsible for addressing problems and how to contact those persons;
    • Any procedures for grievance or complaint resolution and the right to appeal under section 256.045 (Administrative and Judicial Review of Human Service Matters);
    • Know the name and address of the state, county, or advocacy agency to contact for additional information or assistance;
    • Assert these rights personally, or have them asserted by the consumer's family or legal representative, without retaliation;
    • Give or withhold written informed consent to participate in any research or experimental treatment;
    • Have daily, private access to and use of a non coin-operated telephone for local calls and long-distance calls made collect or paid for by the resident;
    • Receive and send uncensored, unopened mail;
    • Martial privacy for visits with the consumer's spouse and, if both are residents of the site, the right to share a bedroom and bed;
    • Associate with other persons of the consumer's choice;
    • Personal privacy; and
    • Engage in chosen activities.
  • Consumer Protection 245B.05
    Environment:
    Sub. 1 The license holder must:
    • Ensure that services are provided in a safe and hazard-free environment when the license holder is the owner, lessor, or tenant of the service site. All other license holders shall inform the consumer or the consumer's legal representative and case manager about any environmental safety concerns in writing;
    • Lock doors only to protect the safety of consumers and not as a substitute for staff supervision or interactions with consumers;
    • Follow procedures that minimize the consumer's health risk from communicable diseases; and
    • Maintain equipment, vehicles, supplies, and materials owned or leased by the license holder in good condition
    Consumer Health 245B.06
    Subd. 5 The license holder is responsible for meeting the health service needs assigned to the license holder in the individual service plan     and for bringing health needs as discovered by the license holder promptly to the attention of the consumer, the consumer's legal representative, and the case manager.

    Subd. 7. Reporting incidents.(a) The license holder must maintain information about and report incidents under section 245B.02, subdivision 10, clauses (1) to (7), to the consumer's legal representative, other licensed caregiver, if any, and case manager within 24 hours of the occurrence, or within 24 hours of receipt of the information unless the incident has been reported by another license holder. An Incident under section 245B.02, subdivision 10, clause (8), must be reported as required under paragraph (c) unless the incident has been reported by another license holder.

    What are the reporting requirements for "incidents?"
    The following list includes the various situations that meet the definition of “incident” according to Minnesota Statutes, section 245B.02, subdivision 10, and identifies the parties who must be notified, as required by the consolidated standards. For other reporting requirements refer to DHS website table under this link: “Who must be notified within 24 hours”:
    • Serious injury as determined by section 245.91, subdivision 6
    • A consumer's death
    • Any medical emergencies, unexpected serious illnesses, or accidents that require physician treatment or hospitalization
    • A consumer's unauthorized absence
    • Fires
    • Circumstances involving a law enforcement agency
    • Physical aggression by a consumer against another consumer that causes physical pain, injury, or persistent emotional distress
    • Any sexual activity between consumers involving force; or Coercion as defined under section 609.341, subdivisions 3 and 14
    • A report of child or vulnerable adult maltreatment
    (b) When the incident involves more than one consumer, the license holder must not disclose personally identifiable information about any other consumer when making the report to each consumer’s legal representative, other licensed caregiver, if any, and case manager unless the license holder has the consent of a consumer or a consumer’s legal representative.

    (c) Within 24 hours of reporting maltreatment as required under section 626.556 or 626.557, the license holder must inform the consumer’s legal representative and case manager of the report unless there is reason to believe that the legal representative or case manager is involved in the suspected maltreatment. The information the license holder must disclose is the nature of the activity or occurrence reported, the agency that receives the report, and the telephone number of the department of human services licensing division.

    (d) Death or serious injury of the consumer must also be reported to the department of human services licensing division and the ombudsman, as required under sections 245.91 and 245.94, subdivision 2a Ombudsman for Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
  • Service Standards for Providers: Outcome-based Services 245B.06
    • The license holder must provide outcome-based services in response to the consumer's identified needs as specified in the individual service plan.
    • Services must be based on the needs and preferences of the consumer and the consumer's personal goals and be consistent with the principles of least restrictive environment, self-determination, and consistent with:
      • (1) The recognition of each consumer's history, dignity, and cultural background;
      • (2) The affirmation and protection of each consumer's civil and legal rights;
      • (3) The provision of services and supports for each consumer which:
        • Promote community inclusion and self-sufficiency;
        • Provide services in the least restrictive environment;
        • Promote social relationships, natural supports, and participation in community life;
        • Allow for a balance between safety and opportunities; and
        • Provide opportunities for the development and exercise of age-appropriate skills, decision making and choice, personal advocacy, and communication; and
        • The provision of services and supports for families which address the needs of the consumer in the context of the family and support family self-sufficiency.
  • What is a Risk Management Plan and why is it required?
    The risk management plan is a written document that identifies area of vulnerability for a consumer and the plans staff must follow to protect the consumer in these areas. There are two processes that must be completed when developing a Risk Management Plan. First, an assessment of the consumer’s vulnerability must be conducted and then plans to minimize any identified areas of risk must be written.

    The requirement for the Risk Management Plan is found in Minnesota Statutes, section 245B.06, subdivision 2 in the Consolidated Standards.
    An adult individual’s susceptibility to:
    • Physical Abuse
    • Emotional Abuse
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Financial Exploitation
    • Self-abuse
    A Minor individual’s susceptibility to:
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Physical Abuse
    • Self Abuse
    An individual’s health needs:
    • Considering a person’s physical disabilities
    • Allergies
    • Sensory impairments
    • Seizures
    • Diet
    • Need for medications
    • Ability to obtain medical treatment
    An individual’s safety needs:
    • The person’s ability to take reasonable safety precautions
    • Community survival skills
    • Water survival skills
    • Ability to seek assistance or provide medical care
    • Access to toxic substances or dangerous items
    • Environmental Issues
    • Consider the program’s location in a particular neighborhood or community
    • Type of grounds and terrain surrounding the building
    • Individual’s ability to respond to weather-related conditions
    • Open locked doors
    • Remain alone in any environment
    An Individual’s behavior:
    • Behaviors that may increase the likelihood of physical aggression between individuals
    • Behaviors that may increase the likelihood of sexual activity between individuals involving force or coercion (as defined in 245B.02, Subd 10, clauses (6) and (7) When assessing vulnerability, only consider the individual’s skills and abilities, independent of staffing patterns, supervision plans, the environment or other situational elements.

    Plans must include specific actions a staff person will take to protect the consumer and minimize risks for the identified vulnerability areas. The specific actions must include proactive measures being taken, training being provided, or a detailed description of actions a staff person will take when intervention is necessary.
  • Adult Protective Services Vulnerable Adults Act
    Contact: Jennifer Kirchen or Deb Siebenaler
    Phone: 651-431-2609 or 1-800-882-6262
    The Adult Protective Services unit is a consultant for Minnesota's Vulnerable Adult Act [Minnesota Statute Section 626.557 (1995)]. In addition to educating the public about maltreatment of vulnerable adults, Adult Protective Services consults with local agencies, including counties and law enforcement agencies.
  • Ombudsman
    Phone: 651-431-2555 or 1-800-657-3591 TDDTTY-711
    An ombudsman is an independent consumer advocate who handles complaints concerning the health, safety, welfare and rights of long-term care consumers. The Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans works with consumers, citizens, nursing homes, hospitals, home care and social service agencies and public agencies to enhance the quality of life and services for individuals receiving health care and supportive services at home, in hospitals, nursing homes and other community settings such as housing with services (assisted living), adult foster care and adult day centers. The office also works to enhance the quality of life and services for consumers by advocating for reform in the health care and social services delivery systems through changes in state and federal law and administrative policy.
  • Ombudsman Regional Map pdf icon
  • Regional Resource Specialists pdf icon
    Call: 1-800-747-5484 or 651-431-2400
    Technical assistance and questions about home care, the CAC, CADI, MR/RC and TBI waivers and SILS (Semi-independent living services) to counties and the public. Call: 1.800.657.3739 (747-5484) or 651.431.2670 (2400)

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Guardianship

  • Guardianship
    Guardianships are court-ordered protective arrangements whereby a court -appointed guardian agent manages the personal life affairs, as needed, for a ward, who has been proven to be an incapacitated person unable to manage their own certain life affairs.
  • DHS Guardianship definitions and laws

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Eligibility and Funding

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MN Housing and Mental Health

  • Funding for mental health needs
    Text change: Page 19, 20 for PACER Housing Guidebook "Where Will Our Children Live When They Grow Up?"

    The DHS Mental Health Division works to ensure that programs and services are available throughout Minnesota. The state does not provide direct services to people with mental health needs. However, DHS Mental Health does provide state and federal funding for mental health treatment.

    In Minnesota, the county is responsible for providing publicly funded mental health services with federal, state, and county funding. In many parts of the state, counties contract with providers to deliver mental health services. A person who qualifies under the Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) label (Rule 79) qualifies for supports and services similar to the supports and services an individual would receive if he or she were qualified under the developmental disabilities category. State-operated services include community-based programs serving people with mental illness, developmental disabilities (dual diagnosis), chemical dependency, and traumatic brain injury.

    State-operated services include community-based programs serving people with mental illness, developmental disabilities (dual diagnosis), chemical dependency, and traumatic brain injury. Intensive residential treatment services (IRTS) are time-limited mental health services provided in a residential setting to recipients in need of more restrictive settings (versus community settings) and at risk of significant functional deterioration if they do not receive these services. IRTS are designed to develop and enhance psychiatric stability, personal and emotional adjustment, self-sufficiency, and skills to live in a more independent setting.

    A summary of the public mental health system in Minnesota is provided in the report: The Publicly-funded Adult Mental Health System. Go to DHS web site. Click on Disabilities>Adult Mental Health> The Publicly-funded Adult Mental Health System.
  • Housing and Children's Mental Health Services
    Children's Mental Health staff help children and adolescents with severe emotional disturbance. They work with counties and Children's Mental Health Collaboratives to establish a comprehensive, integrated, and accountable mental health delivery system that meets the mental health needs of children and youth and helps people become as self-sufficient as possible.
  • Housing and Adult Mental Health Services
    Information on predictors and symptoms of mental disorders, where mental health services are available in the county and how to access the services. In Minnesota, the county is responsible for providing public mental health services. Contact your county for more information about education and prevention services. Crisis phone numbers are listed for each county.
  • MHCP Provider Manual - Mental Health Services Overview (Chapter 16)
  • ARHMS - Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services
    Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS) are mental health services which are rehabilitative and enable the recipient to develop and enhance psychiatric stability, social competencies, personal and emotional adjustment, and independent living and community skills, when these abilities are impaired by the symptoms of mental illness.

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MN Homeless Shelter Programs

  • Homeless Shelter Programs
    Homeless Programs receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State of Minnesota. Funds are awarded to local service providers through a biennial request for proposal process. Eligible service providers include transitional housing programs, Community Action Agencies, Indian Tribal Governments, local governments, shelters, non-profit service providers, and statewide migrant farm-workers’ organizations.

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MN Housing Technical Assistance, Training, and Publications

  • Arc Greater Twin Cities
    Phone: 952-920-0855
    Email: info@arcgreatertwincities.org
    Arc Greater Twin Cities is an advocacy organization supporting persons with intellectual and related developmental disabilities across the lifespan. The core services of Arc include information and assistance, individual advocacy, educational workshops, networking groups, sibling programs, self-advocacy training and public policy networks for change.
  • The Arc of MN Housing Access Services Program
    Contact Persons: Scott Schifsky, Housing Director
    Phone: 651-523-0823, ext. 102
    Email: scotts@arcmn.org
    The Arc of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services is providing a Housing Access Services Program for adult Minnesotans with disabilities who have been assessed and determined eligible for Minnesota Medicaid home care or waiver services and who want to move to homes of their own. Services include: looking for housing, assisting with rental and lease agreements, meetings with landlords/property staff, assisting with applications for publicly financed housing, household budget development and assisting with related household matters.
  • The ARC of MN Master Pooled Trust Program
    Contact Persons: Dennis Collins, Master Pooled Trust Director
    Phone: 651-523-0879, ext. 111
    Email: dennisc@arcmn.org
    The Arc Master Pooled Trusts offer the ability for parents (family or others) of a person with a disability to set aside money (now or in the future) to supplement that person’s quality of life generally to be used after parents have passed away or are unable to care for their loved ones any longer.  These funds do not count as assets of the person with the disability, and therefore do not jeopardize their governmental benefits (SSI, MA, etc). The Arc trust offers the security and confidence parents (and others) want for their loved one’s future.  Arc manages the trust and oversees the financial management of the pooled funds.  The program is family friendly, affordable and reliable.
  • The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota
    Contact Person: Bruce Nelson, Executive Director
    Phone: 651-291-1086
    Email: bnelson@arrm.org
    The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) is a trade association representing 140 Minnesota providers who support people with disabilities. ARRM's mission is to lead the advancement of community-based services that support people with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.
  • Courage Center
    Contact Person: Vicki McEvoy, Administrator
    Phone: 763-520-0262
    Email: vicki.mcevoy@couragecenter.org
    Courage Center provides a supportive, challenging place to live, temporarily. Licensed as a skilled nursing facility, most participants move on to a variety of community living situations. The state-of-the-art facility combines a welcoming, healing environment with the latest technology and assisted technology. Courage Transitional Rehabilitation Program serves participants with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, congenital conditions and chronic pain. The average participant age is 35. Courage Center is a non-profit rehabilitation and resource center for people with physical disabilities, brain injuries, speech or vision impairments, or hearing loss. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Courage Center offers services to people of all ages and abilities.
  • Disability Linkage Line
    Phone: 866-333-2466
    Disability Linkage Line is a service for Minnesotans with disabilities, chronic illness, family members and service providers. Support provided for individual issues. All services are free.
  • DHS Minnesota's Housing Resource Toolbox
    DHS Minnesota's Housing Resource Toolbox is a comprehensive resource for housing and service options, affordable housing programs, searchable databases for locating housing, and information to help people stay in their own home. Information is categorized by three user groups: individuals and families, counties, and providers.
  • Disability Minnesota: Housing
    Disability MN provides a single entry point to over 100 Minnesota state agency programs, products, and services that are devoted to the range of disability issues. Provided are access to laws, statutes, and regulations in pertinent disability-related areas. Click on link to Housing.
  • Finding Housing Takes Perseverance, Creativity
    PACER Center and Exceptional Parent Magazine article July 2007
  • A Guidebook on Consumer Controlled Housing for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
    A Guidebook on Consumer Controlled Housing for Persons with Developmental Disabilities outlines some of the options available to people interested in creating consumer controlled housing arrangements. Consumer controlled housing - housing arranged with the needs and preferences of the consumer in the forefront, rather than the needs and preferences of the service provider or service funder, describes major planning considerations, housing options, supportive services and their funding, and available resources. Included are a number of stories shared by people with developmental disabilities and their families that illustrate how they created housing arrangements and supports that allow them to control their own housing.
  • Hennepin County Human Services Public Health Department
    Contact Person: Markus Klimenko, Program Manager, Housing & Homeless Initiatives
    Phone: 612-596-7036
    Email: markus.klimenko@co.hennepin.mn.us
    Hennepin County contracts with a variety of housing and disability support service organizations on behalf of persons with disabilities and others. To obtain services one must apply and be determined eligible. For some services a waiting period is common.
  • Hennepin County "Front Door"
    Application for case management for a social worker in Hennepin County call:
    Development and Physical Disabilities: 612-348-4500
    Mental Health: 612-348-4111
    HSPH.Frontdoor.Screener@co.hennepin.mn.us
  • Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department Frequently Called Numbers
  • The Metro Crisis Coordination Program: Residential Housing Openings
    Phone: 651-291-1086
    The Metro Crisis Coordination Program (MCCP) and the Association for Residential Resources in MN (ARRM) have collaborated to create a Web site that DD waiver residential providers can list and describe openings they have at their facilities. Consumers and their representatives can go to this site to search by county, type of facility, age cohort served, etc.
  • Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Inc.
    Contact Person: David Hancox, Executive Director
    Chris Montville, Director Nursing Home Relocation
    Ed Goldsmith, Housing Specialist - 651-646-8342 or 1-866-2466
    Nick Wilkie, Transition Specialist
    Phone: 651.603.2018 (voice) or (651) 603 2001 (TTY)
    Email: davidh@mcil-mn.org | edg@mcil-mn.org | nickw@mcil-mn.org
    MCIL provides a variety of services for people with disabilities, their families and friends, service providers, and interested community members. Services include information and referral, independent living skills, peer mentor programs, individual and systems advocacy and support services, and personal assistance service. Disability Linkage Line is a link for disability services and supports for Minnesotans with disabilities, chronic illness, family members and service providers. Support provided for individual issues.
  • Minneapolis Urban League
    Contact Person: Theresa L. Doss
    Phone: 612-827-9268
    E-mail: tdoss@mul.org
    The Minneapolis Urban League offers housing advocacy, obtaining housing and client discrimination services in its Client Services Program Division. Other Programs include: Economic Development Division, Health Education, Academic Education, Policy Advocacy. It offers these services to all who ask for assistance.
  • Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living
    Phone: 320-529-9000
    Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advocate for the independent living needs of persons with disabilities who are citizens of the State of Minnesota. MACIL develops new resources and identifies and provides access to existing resources to enable persons with disabilities to live independently. No proof of documentation or disability is required and most services are free. There are eight center locations in Minnesota and 500 nationwide. Among the services provided are: independent living skills training, information and referral, advocacy and peer counseling.
  • The Minnesota Frontline Supervisor Competencies and Performance Indicators pdf icon
    This document identifies competencies required of frontline supervisors providing community support services to people with developmental disabilities in order to foster the development and implementation of excellence in service provision.
  • Minnesota Help Information Directory
    Minnesota Help Information Directory helps to locate community resources in six steps.
  • The Minnesota Housing Partnership
    Phone: 651-649-1710; 800-728-8916
    The Minnesota Housing Partnership offers a comprehensive package of financial and technical resources to increase the supply of affordable housing and to strengthen nonprofit housing developers. These resources include loans, grants, training, VISTA volunteers, organizational support, and housing development coaching. MHP facilitates and funds housing-related planning efforts to ensure that new affordable housing development correlates with workforce needs, minimizes infrastructure costs, and provides links to community services. MHP also supports regional and statewide coordination of planning, resource delivery, educational activities, and homelessness prevention efforts. It also provides training, policy updates, and public education tools to help its partners effectively promote affordable housing. Several programs of the housing partnership are geographically restricted to agencies in Greater Minnesota.
  • MLS listings of homes for sale
    Browse the MLS listings of homes for sale.
  • National Handicap Institute
    Contact Persons: Michael J. Bjerkesett, President; Alee Thao
    Phone: 651-639-9799
    NHHI is a not for profit developer/owner/manager of affordable housing for low income persons with mobility impairments and for seniors. NHHI has buildings in 11 Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan locations and one in Mankato. Some locations also have 24 hour attendant care services available.
  • PACER's Housing Project
    Phone: 952-838-9000, Toll-free for MN parents 800-537-2237
    The goal of PACER's Housing Project is to develop information and resources to help parents of children and young adults with disabilities understand their options for independent living and housing. Parents are encouraged to begin thinking about these issues when their children are as young as 12 years old. This project helps parents understand why it is important to consider housing during the transition years, what housing options are available for their child, what supports and services exist, and what information and referral resources are available to meet their needs. PACER's Housing Project provides individual assistance by phone or in person, workshops on housing options, services and supports, and a housing guidebook including national and state housing resources to individuals with disabilities and their parents.
  • Questions to ask Providers when Making Decisions About Residential Supports for Family Members With Disabilities
    In the Self Advocacy/Self Determination section users are provided with a comprehensive list of questions to ask providers when making decisions about residential supports for family members with disabilities.
  • University of MN: Institute for Community Integration
    Contact Person: Charlie Lakin, Ph.D., Director, The Research and Training Center on Community Living
    Phone: 612-624-5005
    Email: lakin001@umn.edu
    The Institute’s mission is to improve the community services and social supports available to individuals with developmental and other disabilities. It conducts research, develops publications and provides information on housing issues to persons with disabilities and their families.

  • Person Centered Planning

    • Person Centered Planning
      Human services agencies throughout the country are shifting from a focus on agency practices and system rules to being more centered on the people with disabilities, what each individual wants for their life, and how people with disabilities can have fully inclusive community lives. One of the most powerful methods for achieving those goals is person-centered planning
    • TheDesk.info The Medicaid Reference Desk
      This is an interactive planning tool that will help you to think about what you want your life to be, Share your ideas with other people to develop a person-centered plan, look for services on this web site and other places. Areas addressed are: Home, Health, Community and Work.
    • Increasing Person Centered Thinking: Improving the Quality of Person Centered Planning pdf icon
      This manual was prepared as part of a two-year training project conducted throughout Minnesota. It is intended as a resource in training programs about Person-Centered Planning. For people who have already had some or much training and experience in these processes, it is also intended to be useful in improving the quality of facilitation.
    • It's My Choice pdf icon
      A self-guided workbook on person-centered planning by William T. Allen published by the MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Included is a Housing Checklist.
    • Person Centered Planning: A Tool for Transition
      NCSET & PACER Center Article Feb.2004

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Accessibility

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Minnesota Disability Organizations

  • Arc Greater Twin Cities
    Phone: 952-920-0855
    Email: info@arcgreatertwincities.org
    Arc Greater Twin Cities is an advocacy organization supporting persons with intellectual and related developmental disabilities across the lifespan. The core services of Arc include information and assistance, individual advocacy, educational workshops, networking groups, sibling programs, self-advocacy training and public policy networks for change.
  • The Arc of MN Housing Access Services Program
    Contact Persons: Scott Schifsky, Housing Director
    Phone: 651-523-0823, ext. 102
    Email: scotts@arcmn.org
    The Arc of Minnesota in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services is providing a Housing Access Services Program for adult Minnesotans with disabilities who have been assessed and determined eligible for Minnesota Medicaid home care or waiver services and who want to move to homes of their own. Services include: looking for housing, assisting with rental and lease agreements, meetings with landlords/property staff, assisting with applications for publicly financed housing, household budget development and assisting with related household matters.
  • The ARC of MN Master Pooled Trust Program
    Contact Persons: Dennis Collins, Master Pooled Trust Director
    Phone: 651-523-0879, ext. 111
    Email: dennisc@arcmn.org
    The Arc Master Pooled Trusts offer the ability for parents (family or others) of a person with a disability to set aside money (now or in the future) to supplement that person’s quality of life generally to be used after parents have passed away or are unable to care for their loved ones any longer.  These funds do not count as assets of the person with the disability, and therefore do not jeopardize their governmental benefits (SSI, MA, etc). The Arc trust offers the security and confidence parents (and others) want for their loved one’s future.  Arc manages the trust and oversees the financial management of the pooled funds.  The program is family friendly, affordable and reliable.
  • Advocating for Change Together (ACT)
    Phone: 651-641-0297; 800-641-0059
    Advocating Change Together (ACT) is a grassroots disability rights organization run by and for people with developmental and other disabilities. ACT's mission is to help people across disabilities to see themselves as part of a larger disability rights movement and make connections to other civil and human rights struggles.
  • Brain Injury Association of Minnesota
    Contact Person: Pete Klinkhammer
    Phone: 612-378-2742
    E-mail: info@braininjurymn.org
    The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota works to bring help, hope, and a voice to the 100,000 Minnesotans who live with a disability caused by a brain injury. There are a variety of programs available including resource facilitation. Resource facilitation is information, resources, and access to services and support for children and adults with brain injury and their families throughout the state of Minnesota.
  • Mental Health Association of Minnesota
    Contact Person: Tom Johnson
    Phone: 612-331-6840
    E-mail: tomj@mentalhealthmn.org
    The mission of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota is to improve the quality of life of people with mental illnesses and promote mental health. The association provides individual advocacy services and information and referral assistance on a wide range of housing issues.
  • Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living
    Phone: 320-529-9000
    Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living (MACIL) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advocate for the independent living needs of persons with disabilities who are citizens of the State of Minnesota. MACIL develops new resources and identifies and provides access to existing resources to enable persons with disabilities to live independently. No proof of documentation or disability is required and most services are free. There are eight center locations in Minnesota and 500 nationwide. Among the services provided are: independent living skills training, information and referral, advocacy and peer counseling.
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) MN
    Contact Person: Sue Abderholden, Executive Director
    Shelley White, Associate Director
    Phone: 651-645-2948 or 1-888-NAMI HELPS
    The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with mental illness and their families. NAMI-MN offers programs of education, support and advocacy, and supports research efforts. NAMI-MN vigorously promotes the development of community mental health programs and services, improved access to services, increased opportunities for recovery, reduced stigma and discrimination, and increased public understanding of mental illness.”
  • National Handicap Institute
    Contact Persons: Michael J. Bjerkesett, President; Alee Thao
    Phone: 651-639-9799
    NHHI is a not for profit developer/owner/manager of affordable housing for low income persons with mobility impairments and for seniors. NHHI has buildings in 11 Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan locations and one in Mankato. Some locations also have 24 hour attendant care services available.
  • PACER's Housing Project
    Phone: 952-838-9000, Toll-free for MN parents 800-537-2237
    The goal of PACER's Housing Project is to develop information and resources to help parents of children and young adults with disabilities understand their options for independent living and housing. Parents are encouraged to begin thinking about these issues when their children are as young as 12 years old. This project helps parents understand why it is important to consider housing during the transition years, what housing options are available for their child, what supports and services exist, and what information and referral resources are available to meet their needs. PACER's Housing Project provides individual assistance by phone or in person, workshops on housing options, services and supports, and a housing guidebook including national and state housing resources to individuals with disabilities and their parents.
  • Rise
    Contact Person: Sandy Jorgensen
    Phone: 763-783-2818
    Email: sljorgensen@rise.org
    Incorporated in 1971, Rise is a private, nonprofit agency that offers vocational training, career planning, job placement and follow-up services to people with a wide range of disabilities and other barriers to employment. We offer housing support services to people who have mental health disabilities including transitional housing, independent living skills training, and outreach to people that are homeless.
  • University of Minnesota: Institute for Community Integration
    Contact Person: Charlie Lakin, Ph.D., Director, The Research and Training Center on Community Living
    Phone: 612-624-5005
    Email: lakin001@umn.edu
    The Institute’s mission is to improve the community services and social supporters available to individuals with developmental and other disabilities. It conducts research, develops publications and provides information on housing issues to persons with disabilities and their families.

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Minnesota Government Agencies

  • Minnesota Department of Human Rights
    190 E 5th Street, Suite 700, St. Paul, MN 55101
    Phone: 651-296-5663; 800-657-3704; TTY: 651-296-1283
    The MN Department of Human Rights’ mission is to make Minnesota discrimination free including discrimination based on disability, family status, public assistance status, sex, national origin and race. The department is a neutral state agency that investigates charges of illegal discrimination including reasonable accommodations made for people with disabilities and housing discrimination.
  • Minnesota Department of Human Services
    Contact Persons: Joseph Alakija, Disability Waivers and Support Services
    Duane Elg, Consultant, Housing Supports
    Phone: 651-431-2437; 651-431-3863
    Email: Joseph.A.Alakija@state.mn.us; duane.elg@state.mn.us
    Minnesota Department of Human Services provides health care, economic assistance, and other services for people who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs. It works with counties and other partners on welfare reform and critical aging and children’s issues, oversees the state’s four publicly funded health care programs, licenses child care and day care facilities, manages budgets and distributes grants, provides state operated services through residential treatment centers and community-based facilities, measures performance and outcomes of programs, and conducts projects to respond to special needs or issues. Go to the DHS web site. Click on Disabilities > Disability Services for more information on a wide array of topics. For Housing Information, click on Economic Supports > Housing.
  • Minnesota State Council on Disability
    Contact Person: Margot Imdieke Cross, Building Accessibility, Disability parking, Emergency Management
    Phone: 651-361-7802
    Email: margot.imdieke@state.mn.us
    The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD) is an agency that collaborates, advocates, advises and provides information to expand opportunities, increase the quality of life and empower all persons with disabilities. Services are provided to individuals with disabilities and their families, the Governor and Legislature, government and private agencies, employers and the general public.
  • The State of Minnesota's Web site
    The State of Minnesota's Web site includes information on diverse topics such as housing, living and working, transportation, labor and employment, human services, and diverse populations. Go to the Living and Working link.

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