MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Anoka County Secures Additional $1.75 Million to Help Families Avoid Homelessness

ANOKA COUNTY, MN (August 1, 2026). Anoka County is expanding its homelessness-prevention work after the County Board approved an additional $1,755,638 in state funding for services that help families and individuals remain housed.

The money comes through an amended grant agreement with Minnesota Housing for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program.

The new award raises Anoka County’s two-year program budget to $3,150,638.

Help Before a Housing Crisis Becomes Homelessness

The program provides financial assistance and supportive services to eligible households experiencing housing instability or facing an immediate risk of homelessness.

Depending on household circumstances and program requirements, assistance may include rent deposits, rent payments, utility payments, housing navigation and other services intended to stabilize housing.

The funding is designed to intervene before a household enters a shelter or begins living outside. That can mean helping a family resolve a temporary rent shortfall, restoring essential utilities or connecting residents with longer-term housing options.

Housing Pressure Continues Across the North Metro

The additional investment arrives as housing costs, limited affordable vacancies and everyday expenses continue placing pressure on households throughout Anoka County.

Even a relatively short interruption in income can create a housing emergency for residents who are already spending a significant portion of their earnings on rent, transportation, food and utilities.

Homelessness-prevention programs attempt to address that instability before displacement occurs, reducing the disruption experienced by families while also limiting pressure on emergency shelters and public services.

The County Board approved the amended grant agreement during its July 28 meeting.

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