Minneapolis Initiative Supports Over 6,700 Students with Housing Stability

The Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative (SHSS) in Minneapolis has reached a notable achievement by supporting over 6,700 students in its ongoing effort to address the challenges of housing insecurity and education. Now in its sixth year, the program aims to provide housing stability, which is essential for fostering academic success among students in the city.

This initiative primarily targets single-parent households, which account for 81 percent of families served, as well as BIPOC families, who make up more than 90 percent of beneficiaries. The effectiveness of SHSS is underscored by a statement from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who remarked, “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.”

Collaboration and Funding for Housing Stability

The success of SHSS stems from a partnership involving several organizations, including Hennepin County, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), the YMCA of the North, and the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. Financial support comes from the city’s commitment of $2.2 million, alongside an additional $1.4 million proposed in Mayor Frey’s budget for 2026. The program also benefits from a two-year grant of $855,000 from Minnesota Housing through the Homework Starts at Home initiative.

Abdi Warsame, Executive Director/CEO of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, expressed his support for SHSS, stating, “It epitomizes what is possible through the power of partnership.” This sentiment reflects the collective effort to enhance the lives of families in need.

MPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams highlighted the pivotal role of housing stability in education, saying, “The Stable Homes Stable Schools program provides access to an essential foundation for learning: a safe and stable place to call home each night.”

Services Offered and Community Impact

SHSS provides critical housing placement and stabilization services across 24 elementary schools and extends its reach to all 43 MPS elementary schools. The program is designed to empower families, as noted by Matt Smith, Executive Director of YMCA Youth and Family Services, who stated, “We are committed to providing services that uplift and enable families to make strong choices when it comes to housing stability.”

For families facing urgent housing issues, SHSS offers resources such as HomeLine for legal aid and Tenant Resource Connections for eviction prevention. Families with children enrolled at SHSS school sites can access the SHSS Housing Stability Fund for additional support.

The initiative not only addresses immediate housing needs but also fosters a supportive environment for children’s education. As Minneapolis continues to confront the intertwined challenges of housing and education, the success of the Stable Homes Stable Schools initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in creating lasting change.