One of the most common questions we hear from people considering our IOP with Lodging program is simple: “How does someone actually pay for this?” The answer surprises a lot of people. For most clients, the housing costs nothing out of pocket — because it’s funded through a state benefit called Housing Support.
What Is Housing Support?
Housing Support (previously known as Group Residential Housing, or GRH) is a Minnesota state program that provides funding for room and board for adults who need a safe, structured living environment while receiving treatment or other services.
It’s not a loan. It’s not a scholarship. It’s a publicly funded benefit — similar in concept to Medical Assistance — that pays directly to the housing provider on behalf of qualifying residents.
Housing Support covers room and board. This includes your room, utilities, and food. Clients prepare their own meals, and all food is provided. Most eligible clients pay $0 out of pocket for housing.
Who Qualifies for Housing Support?
Eligibility is based on several factors, but the large majority of people entering our IOP with Lodging program qualify. General eligibility criteria include:
- Minnesota residency
- Enrollment in Medical Assistance (MA) or eligibility for county-funded services
- A documented need for a supportive living environment (which treatment participation establishes)
- Income at or below program limits (most people in treatment qualify)
Our team helps determine eligibility and assists with the application process — you don’t have to navigate it alone.
What Does the Housing Actually Look Like?
Lionheart’s treatment housing is located through our partner Area Sober Housing — providing safe, comfortable, sober living close to our Hastings office. Residents live in a structured, substance-free environment with other people in recovery.
What’s included:
- Private or semi-private room
- All utilities and internet access
- Food provided (clients prepare their own meals)
- A sober, structured community environment
- Transportation to and from Lionheart for treatment sessions
- Peer Recovery Support (PRS) from a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
Transportation is included. One of the biggest barriers to treatment is getting there. In our IOP with Lodging program, rides to and from Lionheart are provided — so transportation is never a reason to miss a session.
How Does IOP with Lodging Work Together?
The IOP with Lodging program is designed around a simple insight: recovery is harder when your living situation is unstable. When someone is worried about where they’ll sleep, it’s nearly impossible to focus on treatment.
By combining IOP treatment, safe sober housing, peer recovery support, and transportation into one coordinated program, we remove the logistical barriers that cause people to drop out of treatment. Everything is in one place, working together.
A typical day might look like:
- Wake up in a stable, sober environment
- Transportation to Lionheart for morning group therapy
- Individual counseling or case management session
- Return to housing
- Evening peer support or independent recovery activities
What About After Treatment?
Housing Support can continue beyond active IOP participation for clients who still need a supportive living environment while transitioning to lower levels of care or independent living. Our case management team works with clients on long-term housing planning well before discharge — because the goal is stability, not just sobriety.
Is This Program New?
Yes — IOP with Lodging is one of Lionheart’s newest programs and we are actively enrolling. If you or someone you love might benefit from this combination of treatment and housing support, the best next step is to call us or submit a referral inquiry. We can assess eligibility and walk you through the process.
For referral partners: If you’re a case manager, probation officer, or social worker with a client who needs both treatment and stable housing, this program was built for exactly that situation. Submit a referral inquiry →