Transitional Housing
Referrals and entry to all housing programs start with a call to FIRST CALL FOR HELP 2-1-1. Call 1-800-442-8565 between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday to speak with a Coordinated Entry Screener. After the initial screening, an appointment will be scheduled with a case manager and the caller will be placed on a priority/wait list. Being on the list does not guarantee housing or assistance.
The Transitional Housing programs provides supportive housing for homeless single adults or families in Grand Rapids and homeless families in International Falls. Participants must sign a lease agreement, agree to case management, create a personal plan that include setting goals, financial counseling, improving their income and/or education and seeking permanent housing.
This program is time-limited based on compliance and reaching benchmark goals. Households pay rent based on 30% of their income. Priority for this program is given to Itasca and Koochiching County residents and participants must be referred from the Coordinated Entry Priority Wait List.
Coordinated Entry System:
The State of Minnesota requires individuals and families seeking assistance to prevent homelessness to use a Homeless Crisis Response System, also called Coordinated Entry System, in Itasca and Koochiching Counties. To request a Coordinated Entry Assessment please contact First Call for Help at 1-800-442-8565. After completing the assessment, you will be scheduled to meet with a housing service provider to receive a more in-depth assessment. That information will be used to determine priority and eligibility status for various housing programs. Being assessed and placed on a list does not guarantee housing because there are fewer units to rent than people on the list.
Disclaimer: KOOTASCA Community Action staff are trained to make eligibility determinations based on the income level, situation and funding availability. This list gives a brief overview of the programs offered. At any given time, there might be funds available in all, none or one of these programs.
Itasca County & Koochiching County Family Transitional Housing – Grand Rapids & International Falls
Each of the family transitional units is one-half of a duplex. There are two three-bedroom, one bathroom units and two two-bedroom units, all with laundry facilities. Eligibility includes residence in Itasca or Koochiching County.
PEER House Men’s Program – Grand Rapids
P (Perseverance) E (Empowerment) E (Encouragement) R (Respect) House Men’s Program can serve five men at a time in a limited supervision single-family home setting with case management and support.
Eligibility includes a minimum 30 days of sobriety and a willingness to maintain a sober lifestyle. Each resident has a single room with a bed, dresser, closet and mini fridge. There are two kitchens, two bathrooms and two living areas that are shared. Residents help with cleaning and normal household chores.
