In 2012, Solid Ground (formerly East Metro Women’s Council) served 281 women, men and children experiencing homelessness in Ramsey and Washington County, MN. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of families served achieved housing stability in our programs, and 81% of those leaving Solid Ground in 2012 secured permanent affordable housing at exit. Solid Ground strongly encourages its residents to further their education while in supportive housing; in 2012, 87% of adults enrolled in an educational or job training program, and 95% of those adult students completed or continued their education. Solid Ground volunteers provided more than 7,300 hours of service to the organization and its residents, including 1,317 hours of tutoring to K-8 grade students.

2012-2014 Strategic Goals: Goal 1: Increase the number of people served by 18% to help meet community need. •Expand scattered site housing into suburban Ramsey County, serving 10 additional families annually. •Partner with faith communities to expand housing and service opportunities to at least 5 families annually. •Offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and/or other unique services to broader community. Goal 2: Provide housing and services that achieve the greatest possible client outcomes and agency efficiencies. •Redesign Home Again as a “Rapid Rehousing” program to serve 10% more families annually. •Assess and place clients in most appropriate level of services and housing (single-site vs. scattered-site). •Invest in resources that achieve a 15% increase in employment outcomes for clients. •Further develop partnerships with early childhood providers to ensure 75% participation in early learning. Goal 3: Improve Solid Ground's financial sustainability. •Expand fundraising opportunities and market share to increase individual and corporate contributions by 10%. •Increase other revenue sources by 15% to pay for existing eligible services. •Pursue strategic alliance(s) with other organization(s) to advance mission of preventing and ending homelessness for families with children. Goal 4: Strengthen Solid Ground's role as a culturally competent employer and service provider. •Increase client engagement and leadership opportunities in Solid Ground programs and services. •Provide training opportunities at least biannually for staff and volunteers in culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS). •Employ staff, Board and volunteers who reflect the communities served by Solid Ground.

Homeless and low income families with children

Ramsey and Washington Counties