How to Find CRS Openings in Minnesota
The Challenge: Finding CRS Beds Is Hard
If you're a case manager in Minnesota, you know the struggle. Your client needs a CRS placement, and you're spending hours calling providers one by one, only to hear "we're full" over and over. Community Residential Setting openings are some of the most competitive placements in the state — demand consistently outpaces supply, especially in the Twin Cities metro.
This guide covers practical strategies for finding CRS openings faster so you can place your clients sooner.
What Is a CRS Placement?
A Community Residential Setting (CRS) is a licensed group home operating under Minnesota's 245D framework. CRS homes provide 24-hour residential support for adults with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental illness, or other conditions requiring supervised care. Most CRS placements are funded through CADI, DD, or BI waivers.
Where to Search for CRS Openings
1. Use Capacity Track
Capacity Track's directory provides real-time CRS availability across Minnesota. Instead of calling 20 providers, you can filter by county, waiver type, and specialty to instantly see which CRS homes have open beds. Start with CRS providers statewide or filter to a specific county like Hennepin or Ramsey.2. Expand Your Search Radius
If your primary county is full, look at neighboring counties. For example, if Hennepin County CRS homes are full, check Anoka, Dakota, Scott, and Washington counties.
3. Contact Providers Directly
Once you identify providers with potential openings on Capacity Track, reach out directly. Have your client's assessment, waiver information, and behavioral history ready — providers make faster decisions when they have complete information upfront.
4. Build Provider Relationships
The best case managers maintain relationships with CRS providers even when they're not actively placing. When a bed opens up, providers often notify case managers they already know and trust before posting availability publicly.
Tips for Faster CRS Placements
- Have paperwork ready — Complete assessments, waiver approvals, and behavioral summaries before you start searching
- Be specific about needs — Providers need to know the care level, behavioral support requirements, and any medical needs
- Consider the fit — A good match between your client and the existing residents leads to more successful placements
- Act fast — CRS beds don't stay open long. When you find an opening, respond within 24 hours
- Check multiple counties — Don't limit yourself to one county, especially in the metro area
What to Ask CRS Providers
When you contact a provider about an opening, ask these key questions:
- What is your current staffing ratio?
- What waiver types do you accept (CADI, DD, BI)?
- What behavioral support capabilities do you have?
- What is the referral and admission process?
- What are the room and board costs beyond waiver coverage?
Start Your Search
Ready to find CRS openings in Minnesota? Browse the Capacity Track directory to see real-time availability from CRS providers across the state.