Frequently Asked Questions

HSS stands for Housing Stabilization Services.

Applicants must be over 18, they must be enrolled in the Medical Assistance Program (MA), They must have a disability, which can include housing instability. 

Advocates are assigned to help you with the following services:

• Developing, updating, and modifying a housing support and crisis/safety plan on a regular basis.
• Supporting you in applying for benefits to afford your housing, including helping you determine which benefits you may be eligible for.
• Identifying services and benefits that will support you with housing instability.
• Assisting you with the housing search and application process.
• Researching possible housing options for you.
• Contacting possible housing options for you.
• Completing housing applications on your behalf.
• Providing transportation while discussing housing-related issues.  
• Helping you understand and negotiate a lease.
• Assisting you with tenant screening and housing assessments.
• Helping you correspond with, meet, and build a relationship with a prospective landlord.
• Promoting/supporting cultural practice needs and understandings with prospective landlords, property managers, etc.
• Helping organize your move.
• Ensuring the new living arrangements are safe and ready for move-in.
• Helping you understand and develop a budget.
• Helping you find funding for deposits.
• Identifying resources to pay for deposits or home goods.
• Identifying resources to cover moving expenses.
• Working to expunge records or access reasonable accommodations.
• Arranging for assistive technology  you may require.
• Arranging for adaptive house-related accommodations you may require.
• Training on being a good tenant, lease compliance, and household management.
• Assistance with maintaining services and supports, including applying for benefits to retain housing.
• Supporting the building of natural housing supports and resources in the community including building supports and resources related to your culture and identity.
• Coaching to develop & maintain key relationships with property managers/neighbors.
• Educating/ training on roles, rights, and responsibilities of the tenant and property manager.
• Working with a property manager or landlord to promote housing retention.
• Preventing and early identification of behaviors that may jeopardize continued housing.
• Advocating with community resources to prevent eviction when housing is at risk and maintain a person's safety.
• Supporting you to apply for benefits to retain housing.
• Supporting you to understand and maintain/increase income and benefits to retain housing.
• Assistance with the housing recertification processes.

Acorn's Intake specialist will be in touch with you within three days to explain the next step.

Acorn's Intake specialist will ask you to complete a Release of Information, so they may work with other professionals to complete the paperwork required by DHS.

Acorn works in Anoka, Sherburne and Wright Counties only.

Right Now DHS is backed up with applications and it is taking about 12 weeks for approvals.

No, Acorn does not provide funding, they assign advocates to help you find resources in the communities in which you live.

No, Acorn does not have housing or a shelter,  they assign advocates to help you find resources in the communities in which you live.