Local Homelessness Prevention Aid (LPHA) Program

Local Homeless Prevention Aid was established by the 2021 Minnesota Legislature to help local governments ensure that no child is homeless within their jurisdiction. The program focuses on preventing families from losing housing and assisting those already experiencing homelessness to find stable housing. Funds are intended for new or existing family homeless prevention and assistance projects, which may include rental assistance, housing navigation, utilities, legal support, and case management services.

Participants in this program are supported by a social worker who provides support to families facing a housing crisis by helping to navigate transitional housing options, finding long-term housing options within budget and connecting families to additional financial or program resource supports and support services for employment. 

In Faribault & Martin Counties, funds have been used to support:

• Transitional housing
• Short term rental or mortgage assistance 
• Short term utility assistance 
• First month rent/deposit assistance 
• Application assistance for rental properties. 

In addition to providing case management, participants attend the Bridges Out of Poverty - Getting Ahead in a Just Getting by World program. Participants explore the impact that poverty has had on them, investigate economic realities, complete a self-assessment of their own resources and develop a mental model of community prosperity. 

Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin' by World - Bridges out of Poverty Program Graduate Stories

Olivia always dreamed of creating a stable home for her children. Attending Getting Ahead helped her take a fresh look at her life.

The Getting Ahead program, created by aha! Process, is designed to help people facing challenges such as poverty. It's not just about getting by—it's about moving forward and building a better life.

Olivia shared, “During Getting Ahead, I thought for the first time about my dreams—what more I wanted beyond creating a stable home.”

Getting Ahead is a 9‑week program where participants, called “investigators,” meet twice a week to share experiences and learn strategies for improving their lives. They explore topics such as jobs, money, housing, and transportation, and work together to create plans for a more stable and successful future.

Each session is led by trained facilitators who guide the group through activities and discussions. Participants share their stories, learn from one another, and discover ways to build resources like education, support networks, and financial stability.

Olivia qualified through family cash assistance (MFIP) and her employment program with CareerForce. The class is funded through the Local Homeless Prevention Aid (LHPA) grant and the Minnesota Department of Human Services to help families bring stability to their homes.

She was part of the first Getting Ahead class at Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties. Olivia explained that she and her fellow investigators met each other where they were. Together, they created the rules for their class, fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. “It was a level playing field,” she said. “Everyone in the class was equal, regardless of their different experiences.”

Even after the 9‑week class ended, the investigators have continued to support one another. They've connected on Facebook and hold each other accountable as they work toward their goals. Getting Ahead helps people see beyond their current situations and recognize their potential. It empowers them to take control of their future and make positive changes in their lives and communities.

Olivia said she loved the class because it was directly applicable to her life. The group practiced activities they could immediately use in their own situations. When asked about her biggest takeaway, she shared, “Getting Ahead made me realize poverty isn’t my fault.”

This session also celebrated two additional graduates whose stories reflect the growth and momentum the program inspires.

Sandy is now working as a dispatcher with the local transit service. She enjoys her work and is already thinking ahead—she hopes to grow within the company and use her lived experience to help shape better, more informed policy in the future.

Trenna is working with CareerForce and has made the thoughtful decision to explore employment options while considering how her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis fits into her long‑term plan. She is giving herself the space to determine whether working is the best path for her family or if pursuing social security disability may offer greater stability.

Both Sandy and Trenna discovered that they have far more social capital and personal resources than they ever realized. Throughout the class, they each developed SMART goals focused on building bonding capital, improving financial management, and strengthening their future‑self mental models.

"I am incredibly proud of these women. They have come so far from the very first day of class, and their progress is a testament to their resilience, commitment, and belief in a better future." - Cathy Hinz, Local Homeless Prevention Aid Program Social Worker

If you're interested in learning more or joining one of our upcoming Getting Ahead groups, contact us at 507‑238‑4757 to see if you are eligible to attend.

It’s never too late to start building a better future. With the right support and tools, anyone can get ahead.

Olivia and Maleea - Graduates of the Getting Ahead Program- Summer session 2025

Trenna and Sandy, Graduates of the Getting Ahead Program - Fall 2025