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RESOURCES & REFERRALS
NEW Minnesota Housing Alert: Be Aware of Waitlist Scam
Minnesota Housing has been targeted in a scam about open waitlists for people seeking housing or Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. The entity is posing as Minnesota Housing on Facebook using alternate identities including “Minnesota Housing Authority” and “Minnesota Housing Development Authority” and should not be trusted. This is part of a national scam that has affected numerous other state housing finance agencies. Please be aware that Minnesota Housing does not manage housing waitlists and does not issue housing vouchers.
NEW HUD List of Multifamily Vacancies (July 2024)
July 2024 Vacancy Report for HUD Multifamily housing units with subsidy in MN. This is a list of HUD Multifamily vacancies as of July 15, 2024. You will need to contact each property to ask about their application process and eligibility.
July 2024 Vacancy Report HUD Multifamily Housing units with subsidy MN.xlsx - Google Sheets.
Bloomington HRA Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Wait List Opened July 15
The Bloomington HRA will open its waiting starting July 15, 2024, at 8 AM and will remain open until further notice. Preference given to applicants who live, work or attend school full-time school in Bloomington.
HRA Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.
More information at: Housing Choice Voucher Program | City of Bloomington MN.
Hennepin County - School to Housing
School to Housing (STH) has expanded eligibility. All Hennepin County families with school age children (generally ages 4-21 enrolled in school).
Eligibility:
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Income at or below 50% AMI
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At risk of losing housing
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Arrears or back pay
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Notice of intent to evict
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Eviction notice/court
To make referrals, email school.to.housing@hennepin.us, TRC housing.assistance.triage@hennepin.us (612-767-9737) or at court.
RentHelpMN (mnhousing.gov) - Targeted Assistance is Ramping Down
Note: The RentHelpMN program will be done as of 7/31/2024.
RentHelpMN's Targeted Assistance is an addition to Minnesota Housing's Housing Stability Services (HSS) program. It is an emergency rental assistance program for Minnesota renters receiving Housing Stability Services (HSS) from designated HSS Providers and who would benefit from direct financial support to cover rent arrears, future rent, utilities, and other rental housing expenses due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Homeowners are not eligible for RentHelpMN – Targeted Assistance funds). This is a referral-based system, referred through 18 HSS partners contracted by Minnesota Housing.
Minnesota Housing Alert: Be Aware of Waitlist Scam
Minnesota Housing has been targeted in a scam about open waitlists for people seeking housing or Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. The entity is posing as Minnesota Housing on Facebook using alternate identities including “Minnesota Housing Authority” and “Minnesota Housing Development Authority” and should not be trusted. This is part of a national scam that has affected numerous other state housing finance agencies. Please be aware that Minnesota Housing does not manage housing waitlists and does not issue housing vouchers.
Scott County CDA Open Waiting Lists
Scott County CDA has open waitlists that will remain open until further notice:
Applications for its Rural Development Waiting List opened on June 13 for Belle Haven Apartments in Belle Plain, and Britland Apartments in Jordan. Waiting Lists - Scott County CDA (scottcda.org).
Accepting online applications for its 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom Waiting List. These are Project Based Voucher scattered sites. The program offers units in Prior Lake, Savage, and Shakopee. 2, 3, 4, 5 BR Project Based Waiting List.
Accepting applications for the 1 bedroom wait list at Prior Manor (Preferences for age 62 and older or disabled): 1 BR Prior Manor Wait List.
Nicols Pointe, 55+ Affordable Housing in Eagan is Accepting Applications
Nicols Pointe is a new development in Eagan that is opening in the summer of 2024. Nicols Pointe Waitlist Open Flyer - 1-2024.pub (dakotacda.org).
Nolte River Place | Volunteers of America Minnesota and Wisconsin (voamnwi.org).
Nolte River Place Apartments in Anoka is a newly constructed apartment complex featuring 80 affordable housing units designed for seniors aged 55 and above.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
The Metro Inn and 925 Studios (formerly University Inn) Single Room Occupancy (SRO). Hotels to housing: new tenants moving in (hennepin.us).
The HCHRA finalized sales in fall 2023 to Agate Housing and Services and Property Solutions and Services.
Together, the former motels will create a total of 83 affordable housing units affordable to people making 30% of the area median income (AMI). Units will rent between $425-$550 per month.
Tribal Housing
Contact a tribe to learn what kind of housing help is available to its members.
Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, 1-218-757-3261
Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa Business Committee, 1-218-878-8050
Grand Portage Chippewa Housing Authority, 1-218-475-2552
Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin (has a Minneapolis office) Department of Housing, 1-608-374-1225
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority, 1-218-335-8280 or 1-866-223-2233
Lower Sioux Indian Community, 1-507-697-6185
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Housing Department, 1-320-532-4181
Prairie Island Community, 1-651-385-4124
Red Lake Nation Housing Authority, 1-218-679-3368
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota, 1-952-445-8900
Upper Sioux Community Housing, 1-320-564-6300
White Earth Reservation Housing Authority, 1-218-473-4663
The Aliveness Project - Housing Programs
NOTE: There will be no housing walk-in hours in August or September 2024.
Rapid-ReHousing Program: RRH program for high-priority homeless individuals coming through the Coordinated Entry System. The program will provide a deep subsidy and housing case management for up to 60 HIV+, low-income individuals coming out of homelessness. This program is transitional in nature (2 years per client).
Hennepin County Housing Support (GRH) program: GRH-HWS-I programming for up to 20 HIV+ individuals in Hennepin County. Clients must be unstably housed, disabled (PSN), and very low income. (The HWS-I stands for “Housing with Services – Independent”. Clients do not need to come through Coordinated Entry for this program).
Ramsey County Housing Support (GRH) program: in partnership with Mental Health Resources to provide up to 10 slots for HIV+ persons who wish to live in Ramsey County. Clients must be unstably housed, disabled (PSN), and very low income.
HOPWA Scattered Site Program: HOPWA rental subsidies and housing case management to HIV+ individuals and families who are income-eligible. This is permanent, affordable housing for up to 20 households (individuals & families). These HOPWA Formula funds can serve people in the 7-County Metro Area.
DHS-EOE-Transitional Housing: Up to 20 households (individuals & families) with a transitional rental assistance and case management as they search for permanent, affordable housing in the community.
Housing Navigators on site who can work with eligible households in applying for affordable housing options in the community.
Staff will do coordinated entry assessments within Hennepin County.
State Opioid Response funding to assist clients with substance abuse disorders with housing navigation and with financial help with past rent/utilities owed and with security deposits.
The only way to access these services/programs is for clients to show up in person during Housing Walk-In Hours. Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month from 10 am - 12 pm; 1 pm - 3 pm. Housing is not guaranteed. (No appointments are made, clients must simply drop in to access an assessment for housing services. Case managers, family members, and other advocates can join the applicant at Housing Walk-In Hours. No exceptions to this referral process will be made at this time). See more information at Housing Support - The Aliveness Project. Please note: There will be no housing walk-in hours in August or September.
USDA Rural Development Multi-Family Rental Properties
This website lists USDA RD-funded properties (Note: this was last updated in 2015 and does not show vacancies).
HUD Resource Locator - HUD Map of all subsidized housing, moderate-income housing, and public housing authorities
This website shows HUD sites geographically. Zoom in to the area you are interested in to see the locations of sites. This site does not show vacancies.
There is also a user guide available: User Manual (hud.gov).
Public and Indian Housing | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
PIH is responsible for HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Native American programs. This website has no listings, but it has useful program information about Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and other resources.
Stable Homes Stable Schools Program - for Minneapolis Public Schools Students
This fund provides emergency assistance to families at risk of losing their homes in all 43 Minneapolis Public School district elementary schools. Stable Homes Stable Schools offers two types of rental assistance:
The Housing Stability Fund helps prevent homelessness by helping families at risk of losing their housing. All 43 elementary schools in the Minneapolis Public Schools district are now eligible.
The program’s multi-year rental assistance serves 24 eligible school sites. The multi-year rental assistance program helps place and keep families of elementary students experiencing homelessness in safe, stable, and permanent affordable housing.
Learn more at Stable Homes Stable Schools - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov)
Stable Homes Stable Schools – Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (mphaonline.org)
Housing Benefits 101 Places - A Listing of Housing with Services
HB101 Places helps you find housing vacancies that have services or that make it easy to bring services in. It currently includes Adult Foster Care/CRS, Board and Lodge, Assisted Living, and site-based Supportive Housing programs throughout Minnesota. All vacancies are authorized to accept Housing Support (GRH) payments. Some programs allow people to pay privately if they're not eligible for Housing Support or have another way to pay for their housing costs. Use filters to find places that meet your needs. When you find a place that interests you, contact them. HB101 Minnesota - HB101 Places.
The Housing Benefits 101 website has many valuable resources. Be sure to check out the website HB101 Minnesota.
Disability Hub MN is a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future. Disability Hub MN - Home
HousingLink - Listings for Affordable Rental Vacancies and Waiting-list Openings
Check on HousingLink for listings and other resources. Search for affordable rental housing vacancies and waiting list openings anywhere in Minnesota. You can filter by location, specific amenities, bedroom size, or subsidy program.
Streams - HousingLink’s database of publicly-funded affordable rental property in Minnesota. Streams is a searchable database of publicly-funded (subsidized) rental housing in Minnesota. The intent is to maintain an unduplicated list of properties (and units), where a property will include all known associated addresses. Streams (housinglink.org).
Veterans Homes / Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs - State of Minnesota (mn.gov).
MDVA operates eight Veterans Homes throughout the state, providing a continuum of long-term care for its Residents.
MACV's Transitional & Permanent Assistance for Veterans Housing (mac-v.org)
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV).
HousingLink - VASH Vouchers.
The VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) voucher program is for homeless veterans. It pairs Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with case management and supportive services. The rental assistance is provided by a housing authority, and the supportive services are offered through the local VA.
Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (mnsoberhomes.org)
The primary mission of the Minnesota Association of Sober Homes, Inc. (MASH), is to promote the establishment, successful management and growth of high quality community-based sober-living residences.
Community Sharing Fund Grant | Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation (spmcf.org)
Up to $1,000 for rent, deposits, and mortgages, but $750 for utilities and other requests. Nonprofit organizations assisting residents in Dakota, Ramsey, or Washington counties can apply for a grant from the Community Sharing Fund through their online grant portal. ONLY PROFESSIONALS CAN APPLY ON BEHALF OF FAMILIES. For Community Sharing Fund (CSF) to assist with a back utility bill, they need to have received a disconnection notice. If the family DID receive a disconnection notice, they have to apply for Emergency assistance first to see if they are eligible for their assistance before applying to CSF.
Neighborhood House, St. Paul
Neighborhood House has funds available to assist those in Ramsey County with rent, deposits, and utilities. (They are working through a backlog. If working with Neighborhood House, other providers should know that they primarily use FHPAP and CSF funds). They can still help individuals experiencing homelessness with hotel/motel stays (up to 7 nights, and the situation must be resolvable) and bus or fuel cards. All calls for assistance should go through our Service Connect # 651-789-3602.
Hennepin County
Emergency rent assistance | Hennepin County
NorthPlace Housing Supports | Northpoint Health and Wellness
NorthPoint helps families with barriers to finding or securing stable housing. Our team stands ready to help find emergency housing support for the community. (Families with children living in zip codes 55411 or 55412 are at risk for eviction or unstable housing). For housing assistance, please get in touch with our Housing Hotline at 612-767-9198 or email housing@npimn.org.
Solid Ground – Ramsey or Washington County
The Solid Ground ESG Homework Starts with Home grant can help find re-housing assistance or provide rent assistance (up to 2 months of rent for folks in Ramsey or Washington County). For families needing emergency support - they provide rehousing aid to families who are doubled up and homeless and pay up to 12 months for the family. At risk of homelessness (living with family or friends, currently in a hotel/motel, fleeing domestic violence, etc.).
HousingLink – Housing Authority Waiting List Openings
Sign up to receive notices of open waiting lists for the Twin Cities Area Housing Authorities (for Public Housing and Section 8 Vouchers): HousingLink - Twin Cities Housing Authority Waiting List Openings. Currently listed open waiting lists:
Bloomington HRA
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) - Opens July 15th, 2024
Dakota CDA
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Senior Housing
Workforce Housing Apartments (Gateway Place, West St. Paul)
Minneapolis PHA
Public Housing: Disabled
Public Housing: Near Elderly (Age 50-61)
Public Housing: Senior (Age 62+)
Plymouth HRA
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) - Open July 9th - 11th
Scott County CDA
2, 3, 4, 5 BR Project Based Waiting List
1 BR Prior Manor Wait List
Rural Development Housing Wait List
South St Paul HRA
Public Housing: Seniors
St Paul PHA
Multifamily 0 - 5 BR
Section 8 Rental Assistance | Duluth Housing
Provides rental assistance in the city of Duluth or Southern St. Louis, Lake, and Cook counties:
Minnesota HRA and PHA List
Note: Other Housing Authorities or Public Housing Agencies around the state may have open waiting lists or occasionally open their waiting list. Some have Public Housing buildings, some have Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs, and some have both.
You can check with the HRA/PHAs in your area. This list includes websites for HRA/PHAs: Housing Authorities on the Web: Minnesota | HUD.gov / US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Some HRAs do not have a website, so you may need to call them for information. Here is a list of all HRAs in MN: Housing Authorities in Minnesota | USHousingData.com.
Homeowner Resources
A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers: Questions to Ask Your Realtor® (tchabitat.org)
By Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
Minnesota Housing First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program (mnhousing.gov)
Minnesota Housing's First-Generation Program launched May 6. The First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program offers up to $35,000 for eligible borrowers. Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program will be available until the funds are gone.
MMCDC First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund
Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC) program launched this Spring.
Homebuyer Education Workshops - Minnesota Homeownership Center (hocmn.org)
See a list of in-person and live virtual homebuyer education workshops on the MN Homeownership Center website.
Find an Advisor - Minnesota Homeownership Center (hocmn.org)
Homeowner Resources: Homeowners - HOCMN
Guide To Foreclosure Prevention (hocmn.org) Homeowners who need immediate assistance should contact your loan servicer or a foreclosure prevention counselor here. Foreclosure counseling is available for Minnesota homeowners free of charge.
Rehab and Repair Directory (1-2022) Home Rehab & Repair Programs - Minnesota Homeownership Center (hocmn.org).
Guide to Non-Interest-Bearing Financing: Non-Interest-Bearing Financing in Minnesota (hocmn.org)
Down Payment Assistance Program Search Tool: Down Payment Resource Tool - Minnesota Homeownership Center (hocmn.org)
Other resources: Guides and Tools - Minnesota Homeownership Center (hocmn.org)
Ramsey County Critical Repair Grant Program for Homeowners
Ramsey County, in partnership with Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties (CAPRW), is offering $5,000 grants to homeowners in need of critical repairs. The Critical Repair Grant Program provides eligible owners of single-family homes in Suburban Ramsey County grants for health, safety and code repairs. Single-family homeowners must be 80% Area Median Income or below to qualify. For more information call 651-603-5935 or email chrp@caprw.org.
Hennepin County Downpayment Assistance Program
Homebuyers can now qualify for assistance to make a down payment on their first home in Hennepin County. In collaboration with Hennepin County, NeighborWorks Home Partners launched a down payment assistance program for residents buying homes in Hennepin County. This program started on March 4, and is estimated to be available through 2025. The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) created and designed the Homebuyer Assistance Program to reduce racial disparities in homeownership. As the program administrator, NeighborWorks Home Partners will provide down payment financing to assist buyers interested in purchasing a home to have as their principal place of residence in Hennepin County. Hennepin County HRA Homebuyer Assistance Program - NeighborWorks Home Partners (nwhomepartners.org).
The Advancing Black Homeownership Program Pilot - Habitat for Humanity
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity launched a new program to increase Black homeownership across the Twin Cities. They have the intention of focusing their work around those most impacted by racist housing systems. The Advancing Black Homeownership Program will work to help the community by dismantling the barriers of systemic bias and narrowing racial disparities in housing. The program works to recognize the unique and specific policies and practices that have disadvantaged the African heritage community that has limited access to homeownership. Advancing Black Homeownership (tchabitat.org).
See their website for many useful resources, including various homeownership, mortgage and financial coaching programs, as well as guides and videos.
First-time Homebuyer Guide: First-Time Homebuyer Guide (tchabitat.org)
View their recorded Info Session: Information Sessions (tchabitat.org)
Habitat for Humanity Minnesota (habitatminnesota.org)
59 Minnesota counties are served by 24 local Habitat offices.
Find your local Habitat: Where we work - Habitat for Humanity Minnesota (habitatminnesota.org).
HUD HCV Homeownership Dashboard
HUD has recently created a dashboard to help PHAs and stakeholders track Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program participation. They also have a HCV Homeownership handbook, and other resources to help PHAs start or expand an HCV Homeownership program. Homeownership - HUD | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
DPA One for Housing Professionals
DPA One is a free online resource to help you quickly find, understand and match down payment assistance (DPA) programs for borrowers. Powered by Freddie Mac, the DPA One provider network is growing to build a centralized resource to host municipal, local and state down payment assistance programs under one powerful platform. DPA One includes state-level HFA programs. including municipal and local programs in Minnesota. DPA One® - Freddie Mac Single-Family
Pathways to Success
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity partnership with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) and Twin Cities R!SE. Dubbed Pathways to Success, the partnership will provide an additional way to increase homeownership rates and close the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota. Learn more at Habitat's New Partnership to Provide Pathways to Success (tchabitat.org).
Eligibility information: Get Started | Program Eligibility (tchabitat.org)
FHA Launches New Resources to Remove Language Barriers for Borrowers
The Federal Housing Administration recently launched a new Language Access Resources page, which includes over thirty single-family mortgage documents and related resources used in the origination and servicing of FHA-insured mortgages. These documents are now available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
Saint Paul Rondo Inheritance Fund
The Inheritance Fund is an innovative and people-centered program that affords low-income families from Saint Paul’s historic Rondo Neighborhood the opportunity to rebuild wealth through homeownership. Learn more at Inheritance Fund | Saint Paul Minnesota (stpaul.gov).
Minneapolis Down Payment Assistance
The City of Minneapolis offers a down payment assistance program with up to $10,000 for homebuyers purchasing in the City of Minneapolis. The loan has 0% interest and no payments for 30 years. Learn about eligibility for city homebuyer assistance on the city website.
See the Minneapolis Homes website for other city programs for homeowners and developers: Minneapolis Homes - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov).
Washington County Crisis Assistance Relief for Homeownership Program (CARH)
Washington County Offers COVID-19 Assistance Relief for Homeowners (caprw.org).
Ramsey County’s FirstHome
The FirstHome homebuyer assistance program will now assist both low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers and first-generation homebuyers looking to call suburban Ramsey County home. Ramsey County expands guidelines for homebuyer assistance program | Ramsey County.
Note: There are first-generation homebuyer programs in various local communities with similar initiatives in place, including Edina, Woodbury, St. Louis Park, and Ramsey County.
Updated 7/21/2024 - Thank you Kim Lieberman & Rainbow Health for these wonderful resources!!