Rent Assistance in Minnesota
Housing can be a big challenge due to the high rental payments requested by landlords and housing agencies. This has led to people having to live in cars, shelters, or living on the streets. That environment is very unsafe for single mothers and their children. Single mothers in the State of Minnesota can access several assistance programs that will be explained in this article.
State Programs
The State of Minnesota assisted by local agencies runs a Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Rental Assistance program that helps people including single moms to make their monthly rental payment for privately owned housing. HTF Rental Assistance is flexible because one may get benefits even if they do not qualify for other programs and eligibility is not affected whether the beneficiary has a faulty rental history, a criminal record, or any other detail that might cause them to face challenges when looking for rental housing. HTF Rental Assistance as a state program, will offer a financial cushion and reduce housing expenditure on all income streams, whilst beneficiaries try to get on their feet. https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/multifamily/htf
Churches and Charities Help
KOOTASCA Community Action is a non-profit organization that offers comprehensive crisis support, and rental assistance to the residents of Minnesota. Single mothers who need to be considered for this assistance must be screened in person or by telephone to determine eligibility. For screening purposes the following information is required for the appointment:
- Household income verification for the past month
- Third-party verification of homelessness
- Eviction letter
- Verification of challenge faced with
- Verification of any funds paid toward the crisis
The applicant will then be scheduled to meet with a housing service provider to receive a more in-depth assessment. That information will be then be used to determine priority and eligibility status for various housing programs. https://www.kootasca.org/
Eviction Help and Legal Assistance
A community non-profit organization known as the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation is dedicated to constructing long-lasting change for residents through platforms such as direct services, research, and community building. Wilder’s Direct Housing Assistance Program provides financial support by sending direct payments to the beneficiary’s landlord or their mortgage company on their behalf. They have a service known as the Direct Housing Assistance Program that is available to all successful applicants. For non-English speaking applicants, there are translation services available upon request to assist with the document processing. Upon approval of the application and supporting documents, successful applicants will be notified in writing of the status of their application. https://www.wilder.org/
Shelter Assistance
Simpson Housing Services is a not-for-profit organization, with a sole mission of assisting a variety of people regardless of the diverse background, employment status, and physical abilities. Single mothers experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence, mental illness, or chemical dependency are beneficiaries of this assistance. The guests are provided temporary shelter coupled with breakfast and dinner, and ready-made lunch for guests to take with them during the day. Generous well-wishers donate various supplies such as breakfast items that include coffee and cereal, they also give toiletries, as well as basic clothing items like underwear, socks, and t-shirts for the guests to use in this housing, whilst they are trying to get their footing. https://www.simpsonhousing.org/
Housing Authority Assistance
There are numerous housing programs provided by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA). Their services aim to further advance their mission to promote and give quality, affordable homes to a varied low-income population. MPHA manages and maintains a comprehensive number of rental units, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, townhomes, and senior apartment complexes. The program gives families funds that can be used to pay for a portion of their rent. This significantly reduces the family’s contribution toward rent and utilities and acts as a cushion of their income. https://mphaonline.org/
