Olmsted County receiving $1.1 million grant to help house the homeless

The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA) is receiving a $1.1 million COVID-19 Emergency Solutions Grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Economic Opportunity. This grant will fully fund operations and staffing from January 2021 through January 2022 at both the Rochester Community Warming Center (RCWC) and The Creek, a short-term shelter in Rochester for people experiencing homelessness. 

“This grant comes at a critical time for our community,” said Olmsted County Housing Director Dave Dunn. “Many in Olmsted County have experienced economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is the OCHRA working diligently to help keep people in their homes during the pandemic, but we are committed to finding safe, warm places for homeless individuals and families to sleep. This grant will help us continue that work.” 

The RCWC has provided emergency shelter to more than 250 people since March 2020. The RCWC was scheduled to close for the year on March 30, 2021, but the DHS funding will allow the shelter to operate continuously through January 2022. 

“These continued operations will allow Catholic Charities and Olmsted County to continue providing services to some of our most vulnerable residents as we continue to address the economic and public health concerns brought on by COVID-19,” noted RCWC Manager Cathy Hunsaker.