Purpose

• Create a social services and mental health grant program through the Minnesota Department of Human Services to assist victims of the federal DHS Operation Metro Surge who are seeking or maintaining legal or citizenship status to legally obtain or retain employment.

Main Provisions

• Grant program established

  • The commissioner of human services must establish a grant program to support organizations that serve and support victims of Operation Metro Surge, including providing mental health services.

• Eligible grantees

  • Applicants must show qualifications, legal or other expertise, cultural competency, and trauma-informed experience to perform the required activities.
  • Eligible applicants can be statewide or regional and include governmental units, federally recognized Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations (501c3), for-profit organizations, and legal services organizations that specialize in obtaining employment visas.
  • Priority is given to organizations that serve populations in areas most affected by Operation Metro Surge or where existing legal, social services, or mental health services are unavailable or insufficient.

• Allowable uses of grant money

  • Funds can be used for social services that help eligible populations meet immediate basic needs during the process of seeking or maintaining legal status and employment. This includes housing, food, employment, employment training, education, course fees, community orientation, transportation, child care, and medical care.
  • Social services may also include navigation services to address ongoing needs once immediate basics are met.
  • Mental health services may be provided as part of the grant.

• Reporting

  • Grant recipients must collect and report information on program participation and outcomes to the commissioner. The commissioner will determine the form and timing of these reports.

Funding and Onetime Appropriation

• Appropriation
  • A one-time appropriation from the general fund in fiscal year 2027 is provided to the commissioner of human services for the social services and mental health grant program for victims of Operation Metro Surge.
  • The appropriation is available until June 30, 2029.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new targeted grant program within the Department of Human Services specifically for victims of Operation Metro Surge, including explicit eligibility criteria, allowable uses, and reporting requirements.
• Adds a dedicated, one-time General Fund funding source for this program, with a defined period of availability (FY 2027 through June 2029).

Relevant changes also reflect a focus on immigrant- and trauma-affected populations needing social services, mental health supports, and help with legal status related to employment.

Relevant Terms - Operation Metro Surge - victims - social services - mental health services - grant program - Department of Homeland Security - legal status / citizenship status - employment - cultural competency - trauma - navigation services - housing - food - employment training - education - course fees - transportation - child care - medical care - general fund - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2027 - reporting - eligible grantees - governmental units - Tribal Nations - nonprofit organizations (501c3) - for-profit organizations - legal services organizations - employment visas - priority areas / geographic focus - available until June 30, 2029