Village of Hope

We promote self worth and independence through the provision of temporary shelter and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness. We will strengthen our community by assisting families in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Clients or referents call the central intake number (218-751-0722). General questions are answered regarding eligibility, homelessness, and anticipated openings. Referents that are not able to be accommodated immediately are placed on an optional waiting list while every attempt is made to assist the referent in identifying an alternative shelter plan.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

VILLAGE OF HOPE residents will be selected in accordance with the following eligibility criteria:

The family unit must be homeless as defined by HUD guidelines.

The primary applicant must be at least 18 years old and either pregnant or have primary guardianship/custody of one or more dependent children ages 17 or younger.

All qualified households whose income at the time of initial occupancy does not exceed 50% or greater of the statewide or area median household income as determined by HUD and adjusted for families of five or more.

Extended family members residing with the family prior to application for shelter at Village of Hope will be included in the definition of the "family unit".

The applicant must not be currently abusing alcohol or drugs.

The applicant must be stable on psychiatric medications and prescribed medications for medical conditions and be willing to take them as prescribed.

The applicants criminal history will be reviewed on an individual basis. Certain offenses may result in denial of admission. These may include sexual offenses requiring the tenant to register with local officials, violent crimes against persons or property, assault, arson or destruction of property.

The applicant must not pose a risk of serious harm to self or others.

The applicant must express a definite and informed desire to enter the emergency shelter program, including actively participating in a housing search and case management program.

The applicant must be willing to accept group living including:
A tolerance and respect for other shelter residents and staff,
A willingness to adhere to shelter rules,
A willingness to fully participate in maintaining the shelter and sharing cleaning and maintenance duties.

If applicant is eligible for Group Residential Housing (GRH), the applicant must be willing to assist VILLAGE OF HOPE in verifying the requirements including documentation of:
Disability and/or chemical dependency,
Income and/or asset verification confirming applicant fits the requirements of the program.

Intake Procedures

Clients or referents call the central intake number (218-751-0722). General questions are answered regarding eligibility, homelessness, and anticipated openings. Referents that are not able to be accommodated immediately are placed on an optional waiting list while every attempt is made to assist the referent in identifying an alternative shelter plan.

Upon vacancy of a family unit the waiting list is reviewed and families with the highest level of need are invited to participate in the application process. This process includes the opportunity to:

View the facility.
Review the terms of the agreement to participate in a housing search and case management.
Review the resident rules.
Sign releases of information to verify homelessness.
Sign releases of information to verify income.

Homelessness is determined by utilizing a checklist for eligibility (see attached) and receiving the verification by a third party in writing, on the Minnesota Housing "Housing Status Verification/Referral Form" (see attached) whenever possible. In cases where no written independent verification is possible from a shelter, a case manager or other 3rd party, clients must complete and sign the Minnesota Housing "Housing Status Self-Certification Form" (see attached).

Once homelessness is verified, in writing, on the forms provided by Village of Hope, and exclusionary criteria are determined not applicable, applicants are forwarded to the Executive Director for review.

If an applicant is approved, they are accepted and will be allowed to move into Village of Hope. Once a room is available, the homeless advocates will coordinate a move-in date and time with the applicant.