A year later, loss of MN housing program leaves gap

Dionne Swanson has always wanted an art studio. For nearly two decades, the 50-year-old has been trying to move out of her group home and into her own apartment to give her more space to do just that.

“I have ideas, but I need a helping hand to help me do it,” said Swanson, who has autism and other physical disabilities. “I want to stretch out and not be so confined to these four walls.”

Swanson had been looking forward to some reprieve. Last year, she was finally connected with a Housing Stabilization Services provider, a case manager of sorts paid through Medicaid to help people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness find and maintain housing. But shortly after, the Department of Human Services shut the program down, citing credible allegations of fraud.

“The termination of this program, while reg...