Housing Navigation
At Affinity Care MN, we believe that stable housing is the foundation for health, healing, and long-term success. Our Housing Navigation program is designed to support individuals and families facing housing instability—whether they are unhoused, at risk of losing housing, or navigating complicated housing systems. With a culturally grounded and person-centered approach, our team walks alongside each client to help them find safe, stable, and sustainable housing.
What Services are Offered?
We offer three core services under Housing Navigation:
Housing Stabilization Services
This service supports individuals on Medical Assistance who have a disability or documented health condition. Through Housing Stabilization Services, we assist with housing searches, applications, landlord communication, and long-term housing retention. This is a Minnesota DHS-covered service that removes common barriers to housing and helps people live independently in the community.
Housing Support (Hennepin County Only)
Our Housing Support services are available to eligible individuals residing in Hennepin County. This program connects participants with supportive housing settings that offer meals, case management, and daily living assistance. We collaborate with approved providers to place individuals in environments that promote stability, independence, and community connection.
Housing Navigation
Not everyone qualifies for state-funded housing services—but everyone deserves support. Our Housing Navigation service is for individuals who need extra help navigating housing systems. We assist with locating local resources, emergency housing options, rental assistance programs, and advocacy. Our team works closely with landlords, county workers, and support teams to help each person move closer to housing security.
Qualifications
To qualify for Housing Stabilization Services, the following requirements must be met:
​​
-
Have Medical Assistance (MA) coverage.
-
Be 18 years of age or older.
-
Have a documented disability or disabling condition. It is not necessary for the disability to meet Social Security's adult standards. Disabilities can include physical disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorder, and other conditions. The program manual provides specific details regarding qualifying disability types.​
-
Be in one of the following situations:
-
Currently experiencing homelessness.
-
At risk of homelessness, which includes being doubled up, requiring services to maintain housing, or having previously experienced homelessness and now facing discharge from a correctional facility, medical facility, mental health treatment center, or substance use disorder treatment center without a permanent residence.
-
-
Transitioning out of, or having moved out of within the last six months, an institution, nursing facility, or specific group settings such as Board and Lodge or Adult Foster Care.
-
At risk of institutionalization.
-
Have an assessment indicating the need for assistance in at least one of the following disability-related areas:
1. Communication.
2. Mobility.
3. Decision-making.
4. Managing moods or behaviors.
-
How soon can I find housing?The state processing time for eligibility is currently 4-6 weeks. As soon as we get the eligibility confirmation, our team can start working to help you find housing. In some cases, we can help you find housing within 3-6 months.
-
Do you provide housing for me?While Affinity Care offers Supportive Housing Services, we assist in finding the ideal housing situation for you. This may look like affordable housing or regular market rate homes that fit your budget.
-
Do I need to be on a waiver to access housing stabilization services?No, you do not need to be on a waiver to access housing stabilization services. These services are open to individuals with disabilities who qualify for Medical Assistance (MA) and meet the specified eligibility criteria. Our team can guide you to the right professional to get the eligibility determination.
-
When should I use relocation services instead of housing stabilization services if they seem duplicative?If a member is currently in an institution, it is recommended to use relocation services. Providers can bill for services while the member is institutionalized. If a member has already utilized the maximum 180 days of relocation services, they can then transition to housing stabilization services.
-
Where can I find a list of housing stabilization services providers?You can access a list of providers on this website https://licensinglookup.dhs.state.mn.us/
-
How are these services billed? Is there any need for the care coordinator to authorize them?These services are billed under the member's Medical Assistance (MA) or Managed Care Health Insurance. If the person is on a waiver, the case manager needs to authorize the service.
-
What options are available to me if I don't have income?Our team will help you create a budget. Affinity Care also can provide housing support up to $1135 per month.