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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: 3/4/2024 Item No.: 10.e. Department Approval City Manager Approval Item Description: Approval of Application for 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant 1 2 Background 3 The general overarching mission of the Roseville Police Department (RPD) is to provide 4 public safety services for the City of Roseville. The Department recognizes first hand that 5 public safety is more than responding to crime. Often, crime and safety can be attributed to 6 underlying factors within the realms of human services and public health. 7 8 The Roseville Police Department has had an embedded housing navigator serving within 9 the Community Action Team (CAT) since 2021. The outreach worker supports individuals 10 and families experiencing homelessness - navigating resources to secure safe and stable 11 housing. The navigator assesses individuals’ unique needs to remove barriers to long-term 12 stable housing. The position has been instrumental in helping members of the community 13 overcome systematic inequities related to safe and stable housing. 14 15 Additionally, since 2022, the Community Action Team has had two embedded social 16 workers through an innovative partnership with Ramsey County’s Crisis Unit (RCC) and 17 one through a partnership with People Incorporated. The three social workers provide a 18 proactive approach to assisting community members with mental health crises while 19 helping individuals and their families navigate the healthcare system through crisis support, 20 referrals, and education services. 21 22 Funding through the 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant (Attachment) would support 23 the work of the Community Action Team's embedded housing navigator and social workers, 24 specifically assisting those in the community who are elderly, living with mental illness and 25 housing insecurities. Funding would allow them to become mobile outreach units, with 26 technology and resources to provide onsite in-person help to individuals navigating the 27 complex and often overwhelming housing assistance system. The housing navigator and/or 28 social worker would bring laptops to walk people through applying for benefits on the spot 29 with assistance or, if they prefer, print off a paper application, which they could help them 30 complete and submit. The CAT outreach workers would also have access to databases of 31 resources through 211 and other organizations to print off materials for clients. 32 33 The 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant seeks to fund innovative projects supporting 34 a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable 35 choices for community members, especially those age 50 and older. Applications are due 36 by March 6, 2024. Page 1 of 2 Qbhf!291!pg!342