BROWN COUNTY — In August, Brown County Human Service added a housing resource specialist (HRS). In that time, the position has provided direct assistance to over 40 people struggling with housing.

Brown County Commissioners received a report on the new HRS position Friday from HRS Mark Bullen and other human services supervisors.

The purpose of aHRS is to respond to individuals or referrals experiencing housing instability or crisis. This could include individuals struggling to maintain housing or those who are homeless. The HRS was created using grant money from the Homeless Prevention Act.

In addition to providing assistance to individuals facing housing crisis, HRS is working to re-establish the Homeless Response Team (HRT) in Brown County. The HRT was created before COVID and then stalled.

Part of the new position includes new programming to help individuals struggling with housing. Brown County will be receiving additional funds from Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA).

Human Service Director Barb Dietz said the county recently received $99,000 through SAHA. Another $99,000 will be coming in 2024. The department is trying to determine the best way to use the funds. However, creating targeted programming for Brown County is a challenge because there are a variety of people who struggle with housing.

“We’ve been surprised at the spectrum of individuals we have come in contact with,” HRS supervisor Anne Braun said.

Bullen explained there were many barriers preventing people from finding housing. Disability is common, but many are not disabled. Some struggling with homelessness have no form of income, while others have relatively high incomes. Chemical abuse or mental health is another major factor. Bullen said in these cases, some people don’t want to address the barrier keeping them from stable housing.

“We would offer mental health service if they are willing,” Bullen said “But that seems to be a problem for some folks.”

Though there are several barriers to housing, HRS is focusing on expanding options by working with landlords to offer more high-risk rental options.

Currently, there is little incentive for landlords to rent to high-risk tenants.

Bullen said the COVID moratorium on eviction put a bad taste in many landlords’ mouths. During the period when evictions were blocked, many tenants paid no rent and others destroyed the property. The security deposit was not enough to cover the damage. Many landlords decided not to rent to low-income individuals; especially with the high demand for market-rate properties.

A landlord mitigation fund was suggested as a possible program. The program would reimburse landlords if damages to the property exceed the security deposit. This could create an incentive for landlords to rent to high-risk individuals.

Commissioner Scott Windschitl asked if HRS looked into housing people outside of Brown County.

Bullen said depending on the barriers, they might seek housing out of county. Some individuals with multi-evictions or felonies cannot find landlords in Brown County. They might look to private landlords in another county. If a homeless person has family in Mankato or is seeking mental health treatment in Blue Earth, it makes sense to find housing outside of Brown County.

Bullen said in the event an individual finds housing in another county, Brown County will continue to support them for two months before handing the case over to the other county.

Commissioner David Borchert said he was also aware there are individuals in Brown County currently living out of campers and asked Bullen to speak on this.

Bullen confirmed there were numerous individuals living in campers.

“Unfortunately, some of the people who are living in campers are families with young children who are involved in the public school system here,” he said. Though some of these families are known in the community and receive assistance, there are others off the radar living in rural Brown County.

“They’re too humble or ashamed to reach out for service,” Bullen said.

Windschitl asked if there was fuel assistance for those living in campers during the winter.

Bullen was not aware of any specific fuel assistance program. He said many of those living in campers park in pull-sheds or have an electrical heater, but none have told him this is enough to stay warm.

On Jan. 24 there will be a national count of homeless people. The count will determine the number of homeless on that night. Based on numbers, this is used to determine funding for programs. Bullen said this could give Brown County a reliable number of how many are facing homelessness in Brown County.