Affinity offers two Housing Support programs through Hennepin County: Housing with Services–Independent (HWS-I) and Long-Term Homelessness (LTH).
Explore the two programs below. Our team can help explain the appropriate referral process and confirm current availability.
Support for independent living.
A community-based Housing Support program through Hennepin County. HWS-I connects eligible participants with housing support for independent living. Contact Affinity to discuss program requirements, available support, and how to get connected.
A pathway toward housing stability.
A Housing Support program through Hennepin County for people who meet the program’s long-term homelessness requirements. Contact Affinity and your county housing contact to discuss eligibility, the referral pathway, and current availability.
Both programs are through Hennepin County; eligibility, referral requirements, and openings must be confirmed.
Housing Support, formerly known as Group Residential Housing (GRH), helps eligible people with low income and disabilities meet housing costs. Benefits are administered through an approved Housing Support provider.
Hennepin County’s community-based provider list identifies Affinity Caregiver as a provider for both HWS-I and LTH. A provider listing does not mean a program has an immediate opening.
View Hennepin County’s provider listPayments go to an authorized provider on behalf of an eligible participant.
Help with approved housing and utility costs.
Room-and-board funding includes food, household supplies, and other necessities.
Some eligible participants can receive additional services. Availability depends on the setting and other program eligibility.
Depending on income, participants may contribute toward housing costs. Review Minnesota DHS benefits guidance
HWS-I and LTH have program-specific requirements. Ask which pathway applies to you.
Housing Support generally serves people age 65 or older, or younger adults with a condition that limits self-sufficiency. Income, assets, and other eligibility rules apply.
An authorized provider is required. Hennepin County determines eligibility; contacting Affinity does not guarantee approval or an opening.
LTH additionally requires meeting the state’s long-term homelessness criteria and a referral through Hennepin County’s Coordinated Entry system.
Read DHS eligibility guidanceYou can ask questions before submitting a referral. Keep your housing worker or case manager involved.
Call Affinity about HWS-I or LTH. Ask about current availability and the referral process for your situation.
LTH referrals go through Hennepin County Coordinated Entry. For HWS-I, confirm the applicable referral route with Affinity and your county housing contact.
Apply through MNbenefits or your county office. Benefit approval and a housing placement are separate steps.
Open MNbenefitsBefore committing to housing, confirm eligibility, an approved provider, availability, and any participant contribution.
Ask who to contact about your housing arrangement, benefit questions, and changes in your circumstances.
Bring your questions and the name of the program you are exploring. Our team can explain what information is needed and how to share documents appropriately.
Visit our case manager resourcesThis checklist sends no information. Call to discuss personal details and arrange document sharing.
Call our team and let us know whether you are asking about HWS-I or LTH. If you are unsure, we can help you understand the next questions to ask.
Yes. Affinity provides both Housing with Services–Independent (HWS-I) and Long-Term Homelessness (LTH) through Hennepin County.
The appropriate program depends on your situation and county eligibility requirements. Contact Affinity and your housing worker or county contact to discuss the next steps.
No. Placement depends on program eligibility, the required referral process, and availability. Please confirm arrangements before making housing commitments.
LTH referrals are made through Hennepin County Coordinated Entry. Contact Affinity to confirm HWS-I referral requirements and current availability for either program.
Yes. Group Residential Housing was renamed Housing Support in 2017.
No. Housing Support pays an authorized provider on your behalf.
No. Your income can affect your required contribution. Confirm your amount before agreeing to a housing arrangement.
Contact the worker who submitted it and Affinity’s team. Ask what has been received, whether anything is missing, and who is responsible for the next step.
Housing Support is not an immediate shelter placement. Hennepin County residents age 18 or older seeking emergency shelter can call the county’s Shelter Hotline.
For current hours, youth resources, and other housing help, visit the county’s resource page.
Hennepin County housing resourcesTell us what matters to you. We’ll help you explore the next step.
