HomeMy WebLinkAbout[04g] Homework Starts with You Grant Program
Council Agenda Item 4g
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2020
AGENDA ITEM: Homework Starts with You Grant Program
SUBMITTED BY: Community Development
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Letter of Support
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: I attended a webinar and meeting coordinated by District 742,
along with the City of St. Cloud’s Community Development Director to learn about a grant program
through MN Housing Finance to address homeless students. District 742 will be applying for a grant for
program funding. Examples of eligible expenses include rent assistance and counseling (budget, etc.).
District 742 has identified 24 Kennedy Community School students as homeless. Initial partnerships
formed to support the efforts of District 742 with the program grant include Stearns County, Central MN
Housing Partnership, Lutheran Social Services, and the City of Cloud. A letter of support from the City of
St. Joseph is being requested to include in the grant application. The letter of support does not provide
financial assistance.
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS: Draft Letter of Support
REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: Authorize the City Administrator and Mayor to submit the letter
of support.
January 21, 2020
Minnesota Housing Finance Authority
400 Wabasha Street, Suite 400
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
RE: Homework Starts with Home - District 742 Grant Application
Dear MN Housing Finance:
The City of St. Joseph would like to pledge our support for the Homework Starts with
Home program. We are excited to stand behind the grant application for funding that
addresses student homelessness. This grant will aid in reducing and preventing family
homelessness. School District 742 has identified 24 students as homeless who attend
Kennedy Community School in St. Joseph. Furthermore, District 742 extends into the
neighboring cities of Waite Park and St. Cloud with even more homeless students. We
recognize the importance of collaborating to address this issue. Permanent housing
fosters healthy families and communities addressing a basic human need and allows for
students to focus on learning to obtain a quality education, be productive and self-
sufficient in the future.
Sincerely,
Rick Schultz
Mayor, City of St. Joseph