Commissioners OK housing resource specialist funding

$56,147 for first of 5 years for family homeless prevention

NEW ULM -- By a 4-1 vote Tuesday, Brown County commissioners approved a social worker job description for a housing resource specialist and to post for the new position.

Commissioner Tony Berg cast a dissenting vote on the resolution. Action came on a motion by Commissioner Dave Borchert, seconded by Brian Braun.

Commissioner Berg said during a meeting break that he didn't support the funding because there was no way to measure its success or accountability.

Brown County Human Services was informed last summer it would receive 2023-2028 funding for new or existing family homeless prevention and assistance projects or programs. Funding was created by the 2021 Legislature.

A total of $20 million dollars is set aside for homelessness prevention across the state in 2023. Brown County's share is $56,147 for 2023. The first payment will be received in July, 2023. Funding for 2024 will determined in August.

"We find more and more people coming to us with housing instability. It affects all our agencies," said Brown County Human Services Director Barb Dietz. "We'd like a housing resource specialist to work with landlords on housing options. This position will help support our social workers."

Dietz said human services will watch for grant applications to help pay for the specialist, estimated to cost $73,000 to $80,000 a year, depending on education and experience. She said there is funding available for a computer, monitor and desk.

Brown County commissioners received a mental health annual report from Brown County Human Services.

Reports include a review of adult rehabilitative mental health services from the Brown County Bridge on Center, 1113 Center St. The facility offers support services to those with serious mental illness live successfully and independently.

Provider shortages have created limited availability and interfered with access to outpatient mental health services across the region, according to the report. Providers have long wait lists for initial therapy and medication management services appointments.

Brown County's use of mobile crisis services from Horizon Homes of Mankato is low with 49 admissions in 2022. This is due to lack of presence in the county and delayed response time due to their main office located in Mankato. Horizon Homes expansion in Brown County is planned for fall 2023.

Psychiatry services are available in Brown County but in-person psychiatric care is limited. New Ulm Medical Center has three medication providers offering mostly virtual appointments.

New Ulm Elementary and Middle Schools each have two children's therapeutic services and supports (CTSS) workers from Greater Minnesota Family Services during school days. Demand far exceeds capacity at both locations, according to the report. Mental health services access at New Ulm High School is limited to services only outside the school.

Inability to hire and retain staff prevents program expansion.

Two private practice therapists see Sleepy Eye Public School students one day a week. One of the therapists visits St. Mary's School a half day a week. Both therapists see children throughout the summer. Greater Minnesota Family Services has a full-time CTSS worker in Sleepy Eye Public School and will see kids and families throughout the summer.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• Family facilitator contracts for the 2023-24 school year at New Ulm, Sleepy Eye and Springfield schools, motion by Commissioner Borchert, seconded by Berg. Families on medical assistance qualify for case coordination and in-home family services. Targeted case management rates for 2024 will be determined in June.

• Payment of human services program fees and recoveries by credit card or eCheck, motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Berg. A third-party vendor will provide a website for a 2.5% fee added to payments.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).