HSS Is Ending — Now What?

Written By Housing 4 Homies Admin Team

Real Alternatives for Housing Navigation in Minnesota

If you relied on or were planning to use Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) in Minnesota, you’ve probably heard the news: the program is being terminated statewide. This is a major loss for so many community members — especially those living with disabilities, mental health challenges, or unstable housing.

But while HSS may be ending, you still have options.

This guide walks you through real-world alternatives to get help finding and keeping housing even without HSS.

What Happened to HSS?

HSS is a Medicaid-funded service that offers:

  • Help finding housing (Housing Transition)

  • Support staying housed (Housing Sustaining)

  • One-on-one help from a housing specialist or navigator

As of August 2025, the program intends to terminate as soon as possible. No confirmed date when, but rumor is it will be soon. This guide is meant to get ahead of the crisis and offer you solutions and resources to navigate your housing situation on your own.

What to Do Now

Here’s resources to navigate

1. County Emergency Assistance (EA)

If you’re facing eviction, behind on rent, or need help with a deposit, county Emergency Assistance is your first step.

How to apply:

  • Submit your application at mnbenefits.gov

  • Then go in person to your county’s Human Services or Economic Assistance office to follow up

Emergency Assistance may help with:

  • Past-due rent

  • First month’s rent

  • Security deposits

  • Utility shutoffs

  • Emergency shelter

You do not need to be receiving full county benefits to qualify.

2. Connect with a Homeless Prevention Specialist or Navigator

Even though HSS is ending, some counties and nonprofits still offer navigation-style support through other funding sources.

Search for:

  • Coordinated Entry access points in your county

  • Mutual aid organizations

  • Tribal housing navigators if you're Native

What to ask when calling:
"Do you offer any case management or housing navigation now that HSS is ending?"

3. Apply for Housing Support (GRH) or a Waiver Program

If you’re low-income, elderly, or disabled, you might qualify for:

  • Housing Support (formerly GRH): helps pay for housing in licensed or registered settings

  • CADI/BI/Developmental Disability Waivers: provide housing with services

  • ICS (Integrated Community Supports): Supportive housing for individuals with a verified disability

Contact your case manager, county social worker, or local disability resource center to ask about eligibility.

4. Use Mutual Aid and Community-Led Programs

Some organizations may be available to fill the gap left by HSS, especially for BIPOC and low-income communities.

Look into:

These programs may be more flexible and faster than county or state-based services.

5. Create a Personal Housing Stability Plan

While we fight for better systems, many people are forced to self-navigate. If that's your situation, having a simple plan can help you stay grounded.

What to include:

  • A housing narrative that explains your story and housing history

  • A monthly budget (including rent limit, income, and expenses)

  • A folder of important documents (ID, Social Security card, income proof)

  • A tracker of where you’ve applied and when

  • A list of 3–5 emergency resources or people you can call if housing falls through

Need help getting started? We’re creating tools to make this easier for you.

Final Thoughts

Losing HSS will most certainly be a setback, and it’s okay to feel frustrated, scared, or overwhelmed. But our communities have always found ways to survive when systems fall short.

Housing for the Homies exists because we see you. Because we’ve been there. And because we believe everyone deserves housing and support—without having to beg for it.

Even without HSS, you're not out of options.

Housing 4 Homies Admin Team
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