As Minneapolis grapples with the intertwined challenges of housing and education, a collaborative effort known as the Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative (SHSS) reaches a significant milestone. The city announced the program, now in its sixth year, has assisted over 6,700 students by providing housing stability that, in turn, promotes school success.
The initiative primarily serves single-parent households, which make up 81 percent of families aided, and BIPOC families, who represent more than 90 percent of the program's beneficiaries. In a statement released by the City of Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the success of the program, "Families are staying housed, kids are staying in school, and Minneapolis is stronger for it. This is what happens when city, school, and community partners come together and stay committed."
SHSS is born out of a partnership between multiple entities, including Hennepin County, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), the YMCA of the North, and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, with added support from the Pohlad Family Foundation. Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, praised SHSS, stating, "It epitomizes what is possible through the power of partnership," according to the City of Minneapolis.
The program, which operates with a commitment of $2.2 million from the city and an additional $1.4 million proposed in the Mayor’s budget for 2026, also benefits from a two-year Homework Starts at Home grant of $855,000 from Minnesota Housing. MPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams noted the impact of such investments, telling the City of Minneapolis, "The Stable Homes Stable Schools program provides access to an essential foundation for learning: a safe and stable place to call home each night."
SHSS offers housing placement and stabilization services, operating in 24 elementary schools and extending its reach across all 43 MPS elementary schools. These services are crucial, with the city and the Pohlad Family Foundation further bolstering the program's capabilities. "We are committed to providing services that uplift and enable families to make strong choices when it comes to housing stability," said Matt Smith, executive director of the YMCA Youth and Family Services, in an interview with the City of Minneapolis.
For those in need of immediate assistance with eviction prevention, the program directs them to resources such as HomeLine for legal aid and Tenant Resource Connections for eviction prevention. Families with a student enrolled at a SHSS school site can reach out to the SHSS Housing Stability Fund for further support.
