Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) is an outreach program that connects individuals experiencing homelessness to housing services and other resources.
The PATH team meets individuals in coffee shops, libraries, community centers, homeless encampments, and parks. They help them access their county’s Coordinated Entry system and obtain the paperwork and resources needed to lift them from homelessness.
“PATH prioritizes serving people with complex needs and barriers to housing who are often difficult to locate, engage in services, and connect to resources to meet their basic needs,” says Program Manager Angela. By addressing an individual’s barriers and needs, they are less likely to experience homelessness in the future.
Who does PATH Serve?
PATH serves individuals in Anoka, Dakota, and Scott County experiencing homelessness or leaving an institution where they will be homeless upon discharge. Clients also have a diagnosed serious mental illness. PATH services prioritize individuals who aren’t connected to another service.
“Anyone can refer an individual to PATH,” says Angela. “Referrals come from police departments, county services, libraries, Metro Transit, community members, or homeless individuals the PATH worker comes across in the community.”
What’s It Like Being a Part of the PATH Team?
In addition to working with individuals, the PATH team also helps educate state and local organizations about the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. They also participate in federal, state, and local groups involved in developing public policy related to homelessness to help improve services in our communities.
“Our team is very cohesive,” says Team Supervisor Robbin. “We all work together as a team and enjoy doing it. We have laughs as well as talk about the things that are going on in the world, and we can be brutally honest with our feelings.”
Program Manager Angela is appreciative of the PATH team. “They take pride in what they do each and every day,” she says.
“We realize that we all come from different backgrounds and we all are able to complement one another as well as support one another,” says Robbin. “I can say as a supervisor that I really have a great team.”
Need Help with Mental Illness and Housing?
Call our Community Access Team at (651) 925-8490. We can help.