Minnesota Newly Announced Housing Assistance

Governor Walz announced that up to $100 million of funding will be allocated from the state’s Covid-19 Relief Fund to create a new housing assistance program to help prevent evictions, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability of individuals and households impacted by COVID-19. The $100 million is anticipated to be funded with federal dollars through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

We know this is a challenging time and wanted you to know about this new resource. Our understanding is funds will be first come first serve. Minnesota Housing anticipates individuals and households will be able to apply for assistance from local grant administrators in their region in the first part of August. Learn more and view updates at: http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/covid19housingassistanceprogramFAQ

To qualify for housing assistance, individuals and households must meet all of the criteria listed below:

1. Be a Minnesota resident.
2. Renters with incomes at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines, with a preference for those at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines; and homeowners with incomes at or below 300% of federal poverty guidelines. To see if your household income qualifies, please see the FY 2020 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
3. Have an eligible expense that was incurred after March 1, 2020 that is past due. Housing assistance funds can only be used for eligible expenses incurred between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.
4. Be unable to make the payment(s) owed because of the public health emergency due to unemployment, illness, or another COVID-19 related issue.

You can also sign up for Minnesota Housing's eNews list to receive news and updates including when local administrators will begin accepting applications for this program.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the program, please contact Minnesota Housing directly.