Homeless Resources and Housing Information

Street outreach

I need shelter

There are three shelter options in Washington County:

Families seeking shelter:

Contact St. Andrew's Resource Center at 651-762-9124, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Households must be seen in-person to seek shelter.

Singles who are 22 years or older and seeking shelter:

Contact the Washington County Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) at 651-430-6488.

For youth, up to 22 years old, who are seeking shelter:

Call or text The Connect Center Youth Connections Coordinator and Outreach Worker at 612-475-4055 to schedule an appointment.
Visit the Youth Services Network to connect with an Outreach Worker who can complete an assessment with you.

I need access to Coordinated Entry

Coordinated Entry is a process developed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis have fair and equal access to housing resources. Coordinated Entry identifies, assesses and refers individuals to available housing resources.

Washington County has three access points:

For single adults, families, and youth:

Contact the Washington County Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) at 651-430-6488.

For families:

Contact St. Andrew's Resource Center at 651-762-9124, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

For youth, up to 24 years old:

Call or text The Connect Center Youth Connections Coordinator and Outreach Worker at 612-475-4055 to schedule an appointment.
Visit the Youth Services Network to connect with an Outreach Worker who can complete an assessment with you.

I am facing eviction

I am looking for financial help

If you need financial help to get housing (for example, first month's rent or a deposit), there are financial resources available.

Fast Track

The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (PDF), also known as Fast Track, can help with housing expenses and housing crisis.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency Assistance is available to people who are eligible and going through a crisis, such as facing eviction, the risk of eviction, or a utility shut-off.

Washington County Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) also has financial resources to assist those that are in the eviction process. For more information, call 651-430-6488.

See information on other financial programs that the county administers.

I need affordable housing

Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs the household no more than 30 percent of its gross monthly income. What one person finds affordable may not be affordable for someone else.

View a listing of affordable housing in the metro area (PDF)

Different housing options to consider

Housing Benefits 101

HB101 is a free, statewide resource network that helps solve problems and navigate the system of available housing benefits and resources.

Housing Choice Vouchers

A government-funded program that helps low income households pay the rent on private, market-rate rental units.

Market Rate Housing

The cost of market rate housing is determined entirely by the state of the rental market in the community. It can change based on the supply and demand of the housing market. Housinglink

Project-based Section 8 Housing

A government-funded program that provides rental housing to low income households in privately owned and managed rental units. The subsidy stays with the building.

Project-based Section 8 Housing often has waiting lists so be sure to contact the property owner or manager directly to inquire.

Tax Credit Housing

Often referred to as LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit), formally Section 42, tax credit housing may be more affordable than market rate housing. View more information about tax credit housing on the HousingLink website.

Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA)

The Washington County CDA has information on other options, such as workforce housing and senior housing. Get help from the Washington County CDA.

I need help finding housing

I have concerns about fair housing

Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program

The Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) is available to individuals and families who need help with housing expenses or are facing a housing crisis. You may be eligible for help with your rent, utilities or other housing costs.

Informational flyers:

Community Involvement: Heading Home Washington

Heading Home Washington is a community collaborative dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Washington County. It brings together members of the public, Washington County staff, representatives from local nonprofit organizations, and the faith community.

Meetings

Meetings take place virtually on the second Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

In-person meetings take place every third month (March, June, September and December) at the Oakdale Library from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Meetings are an opportunity for individuals to actively engage in discussions, gain insights, and contribute to finding solutions to homelessness in the Washington County community. Attendance is open to everyone.

Questions?

Contact Jenny Mason, Washington County Community Development Agency, for questions about HHW. View the brochure (PDF) regarding the work and mission of this group.