As a Community Action Agency, Three Rivers has the unique ability to link participating individuals and families to a wide range of both agency and community based supports to help the household meet the goal of lasting residential stability.  Three Rivers delivers wrap-around service delivery strategies that target the most vulnerable households experiencing homelessness in our community, while striving to produce outcomes that demonstrate success in the areas of housing stability and overall improved household wellness. Three Rivers’ philosophy of service focuses on the strengths and the potential of participants rather than on weaknesses, problems or barriers.

Households must reside in Goodhue, Olmsted, Rice or Wabasha Counties.

Prevention Assistance

Homeless Prevention funds assist families and individuals facing eviction with back-rent payments and landlord-tenant negotiation assistance. Case management includes services such as transportation assistance, information/referral and landlord tenant law training with the goal of achieving housing stability moving forward.

Rapid Re-Housing

Three Rivers’ Rapid Re-housing (RRH) Program provides short-term rent assistance and/or deposit for individuals and families with children who are homeless to get into permanent affordable housing where the participant is the leaseholder and chooses their own apartment according to their needs.  RRH includes case management services such as life skills training, transportation assistance, information/referral, landlord tenant law training and utility assistance for up to six months with the goal of obtaining and subsequently maintaining stable housing. Households will be assessed and prioritized using the Coordinated Entry System.

Effective April 3, 2017, Three Rivers Community Action, Inc., Housing Advocacy Services Department participates in the Southeast Minnesota River Valleys Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System (CES), for housing and support services for households experiencing homelessness.

Coordinated Entry is a collaborative initiative designed to create a more effective and efficient homeless response system. It is a way to help those seeking housing and services to access programs by making fewer phone calls, undergoing fewer screenings, and being aware of their near-term options.

When you inquire at Three Rivers for housing and/or services for a houshold experiencing homelessness, you will be asked if you have been assessed and entered into the Coordinated Entry System for housing either here or by another agency.

If the answer is yes, that is all you need to do. You are already part of Coordinated Entry and will be contacted by a Housing Provider with a program opening once that opening becomes available. It is not necessary to check back or continue to call multiple agencies. (Please do check back if you have had a change of contact information or if you find housing for yourself.)

If the answer is no, you have not previously been assessed either here or at another agency, you will be offered the opportunity to complete an assessment (takes about 30 minutes) that will determine your priority for services according to the vulnerability of your need.

Once assessed, your household will be entered into a Centralized Priority Pool that covers all of the Housing Services Providers in Southeast Minnesota.

When an opening becomes available, that housing provider will contact you to complete the enrollment process.

No, being a part of Coordinted Entry does not guarantee housing, financial assistance, or support services. However, all providers must accept referrals via the Coordinated Entry System, so this is the only way to access those services.

Long-Term Assistance

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Program provides high-barrier households experiencing homelessness with affordable rental housing and supportive services that assist participants with maintaining housing stability, improving overall wellness, engaging in the community and leading successful lives. PSH targets households that need intensive case management services due to challenges such as significant and persistent mental health issues and chemical dependency. Households will be assessed and prioritized using the Coordinated Entry System.

Equal Access Rule

Three Rivers complies with the Equal Access Rule. Please read the Department policy.

Funding Provided by

  • US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • MN Housing Finance Agency (MHFA)
  • Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO)

For More Information

Call (800) 277-8418 to complete an intake over the phone to address any needs the household may have. This intake will be sent to the appropriate Housing Advocate who will complete a comprehensive assessment either in person or over the phone. The household will be asked to provide verifications as required.  Services available will vary by county and community.