Across Minnesota, workforce development professionals are reporting that housing instability is a challenge for many of the people they serve. In the most recent Job Search Experience Survey of 253 CareerForce staff and partners who work directly with job seekers, 86% reported that they have provided services to individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused. The results demonstrate that housing instability is showing up regularly as a workforce barrier.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) conducts the Job Search Experience Survey twice a year; survey respondents are staff from DEED, Local Workforce Development Areas and community partners. In January 2026, DEED added a question about housing instability to the survey in connection with the Crossroads to Justice Plan developed by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. Respondents were asked, “Have you provided services to job seekers who are unhoused, or at risk of becoming unhoused?” The strong response underscores that employment and housing stability are linked.
The inclusion of this question on the survey was championed by four consultants with lived experience of being unhoused who work alongside DEED, Shelly Belgarde, Katie Brown, Deanna Monroe and Pablo Romo. These consultants advocated for the inclusion of this question to ensure the survey captured what many staff were already witnessing, that housing instability could be a key factor affecting job seekers’ chances for success.
Workforce professionals know that stable housing is important when pursuing employment. When housing is in danger, job seekers experience significant barriers. From challenges maintaining communication, to increased stress and difficulty accessing transportation, housing instability can complicate every step of a job search.
These findings reinforce the importance of cross-system collaboration called for in the Crossroads to Justice Plan. By listening to frontline staff and centering lived experience, Minnesota is strengthening its approach to connecting employment services with housing stability.
- You can find housing resources on Minnesota Housing’s Continuums of Care webpage.
- View the Crossroads to Justice Strategic Plan developed by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.
