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According to the Minnesota Housing Partnership, more than 640,000 households across the state are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford for their housing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many Minnesotans squeezed by housing costs

Newly released data in Minnesota underscores what housing assistance groups have been preaching - it's become increasingly difficult for many people t…

Under Minnesota law, landlords are prohibited from accepting application fees when no units are available. Housing advocates say there are some examples where landlords might not break the law, but they accept fees from applicants that make it clear they don't meet the requirements. (Adobe Stock)

Pie-in-the-sky listings? Paying rental application fees for an out-of-reach unit

Data is scarce, but Minnesota housing advocates say in a tough rental environment, applicants sometimes fork over screening fees for a unit they …

Organizations like Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota recommend bolstering tutoring programs and other out-of-school learning opportunities for kids to help address lagging test scores. (Adobe Stock)

Patience urged as MN policies evolve to improve outcomes for kids

Despite a handful of concerning results for child well-being in Minnesota, one policy expert says the state is well positioned to make structural …

A handful of large cities in the U.S. have added protections for tenants in a residential complex to organize in response to poor living conditions. Minnesota is looking to make it a statewide protection. (Adobe Stock)

MN considers 'organizing' protections for renters

Minnesota lawmakers face growing calls this session to boost access to affordable housing and there is a proposal to lend a voice to existing renters …

The Minnesota Department of Commerce reported weatherization services could help decrease a homeowner or renter's annual energy costs by up to 30%. (Adobe Stock)

Deep freeze prompts reminders for home weatherization aid

Warmer temps may be on the horizon, but arctic air still has a grip on Minnesota. State officials and community action agencies are pointing out …

On the heels of last year's legislative session, Minnesota is implementing a range of new laws in 2024, including the expansion of earned sick time and access to free menstrual products in schools. (Adobe Stock)

New MN laws cover renters, extreme-risk protections involving gun owners

With 2024 now underway, a flurry of new Minnesota laws are in effect. Renters facing obstacles with their landlords have new protections, and there …

The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency is in the process of readying its

Shortages persist, but low-income housing projects in MN are surfacing

Estimates show Minnesota is short 100,000 housing units for low-income populations. To help meet demand, some poverty-fighting offices are playing a …

This summer, the Twin Cities region broke an 18-month slump in year-over-year growth for housing construction permits. (Adobe Stock)

Could Retooling Zoning Cure MN's Affordable Housing Woes?

New data show promising news in closing Minnesota's housing supply gap, with home construction shaking off its slump. However, there are calls to …

The National Low Income Housing Coalition said Minnesota has a shortage of nearly 104,000 affordable rental homes for its lowest-income households. Community action agencies say historic investments from the Legislature will help them meet the demand for housing aid. (Adobe Stock)

Facing High Demand, MN Digs Deep to Provide Housing Aid

The U.S. is in the midst of a housing crisis, with a shortage of affordable homes and concerns about people facing homelessness. Minnesota is using …

Findings compiled by the Annie E. Casey Foundation show Minnesota has an overall high ranking for child well-being. But advocates warn that lack of access to early child education could derail outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Shines in Child Well-Being Report, But Pandemic Shows its Impact

An annual report measuring child well-being in the U.S. said several benchmarks have worsened overall. States like Minnesota fared better in the …

Community Action Agencies provide services that go beyond energy assistance and home weatherization. Many offer job training programs that take into account the barriers low-income individuals face in advancing in the workplace. (Adobe Stock)

With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

May is Community Action Month, and Minnesota agencies that help address poverty say demand for services isn't going away. To help clients thrive…

Studies have shown that while Minnesota has an overall healthy population, there are glaring health disparities. That has prompted efforts to help racial and ethnic groups have equal access to necessities, in hopes of boosting health outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

MN Steps Outside Doctor's Office to Improve Health Outcomes

Research keeps emerging about social determinants of health, including a new study linking these factors to suicide risks. In Minnesota, nonprofits …

Park Plaza Cooperative, based in Fridley, has been a Resident-Owned Community for more than a decade. (Photo courtesy of PPC)

Resident-Owned Communities Intersect Housing and Climate Justice

By Ray Levy Uyeda for Prism.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Se…

Housing assistance groups say 25% of Minnesota homeowners and renters pay more than they can afford for housing. (Adobe Stock)

Market Challenges Persist, But MN Keeps Affordable Housing Solutions in Sight

Amid a challenging housing market, Minnesota has released annual funds to provide more affordable homes around the state. It coincides with efforts …

Grupos de ayuda a la vivienda afirman que el 25% de los propietarios e inquilinos de Minnesota pagan m�s de lo que pueden por la vivienda. (Adobe Stock)

Persisten retos del mercado, pero MN mantiene soluciones de vivienda asequible

En medio de un difícil mercado de la vivienda, Minnesota ha liberado fondos anuales para proporcionar viviendas más accesibles en todo el …

Community health workers offer many services, including education on topics related to chronic disease prevention, physical activity and nutrition. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Make Inroads in MN

It's been three years since COVID-19 cases first surfaced. While doctors and nurses have treated those patients, community health workers continued …

In Minnesota, the average home heating aid distributed to eligible households each winter is $500. (Adobe Stock)

Winter is Coming: Help for Higher Heating Bills in MN

After warm a start to November, cooler temperatures have found their way back to Minnesota. That's prompting reminders for homeowners and renters to …

Community housing groups say extreme weather events are one of several reasons aging homes are running into repair backlogs, and that for many homeowners, securing a home-improvement loan is difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Housing Crisis: Government Help for Older Homes Seen as Solution

As the housing market navigates a sea of obstacles, community-level organizations in Minnesota are urging governments to take a closer look at their …

Consumer surveys indicate hope that inflation is slowing down, but analysts say there's legitimate concern about how higher prices are affecting household budgets. (Adobe Stock)

Gauging Inflation's Impact on Foreclosure Activity in MN, U.S.

In the first six months of this year, the U.S. saw a significant jump in foreclosure filings, coinciding with concerns about the pressure inflation …

A report from the Social Science Research Council says in the recovery from the 2008 housing crisis, the typical white family's wealth losses slowed to zero, while the typical Black family lost an additional 13% of its wealth. (Adobe Stock)

Foreclosure Prevention Takes On MN's Racial Housing Gap

An uneven pandemic recovery, along with inflation, is fueling concern about foreclosure activity. In Minnesota, there is a push to ensure households …

In many instances, say groups that provide free counseling for struggling homeowners, people behind on payments are unsure what to do because they get so many warning letters in the mail. They say it makes it harder to take action. (Adobe Stock)

Foreclosure Pressure Not Easing for Some Minnesotans

Higher consumer costs and expired pandemic protections are putting more Minnesotans on the brink of losing their homes. Some areas are seeing higher …

A revised federal spending plan for Community Action Agencies creates a new Broadband Navigator discretionary program to help connect low-income families to high-speed internet. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Considers Providing More Local Support to Fight Poverty

May is Community Action Month, and local agencies helping low-income families hope Congress signs off on a plan to bolster and modernize their …

University of Minnesota researchers say Minnesota is behind many other states in maximizing available resources to weatherize homes and reduce an occupant's energy burden. (Adobe Stock)

Energy-Efficient Updates Needed for MN's Aging Homes

A significant portion of Minnesota housing was built before 1980, and these homes just endured a long and cold winter. That's renewed calls for the …

In the United States, more than 4 million youths and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. (Adobe Stock)

New App Part of Effort to End Youth Homelessness in MN

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- November is National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month. Compared with other Midwestern states, Minnesota has some of the …

Community action agencies say many of the families they serve may never get a chance for long-term stability without reducing the burden of needs such as housing and child-care costs. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Federal Plan Could Do Wonders for Housing, Child Care in MN

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- In Congress, initial votes are possible this week on the Biden administration's budget reconciliation bill. From child care to …

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says last year, it worked with 533 households to prevent foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)

Homeownership Groups Warn of Economic Fallout from Foreclosures

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Programs that allowed struggling homeowners to pause monthly payments during the pandemic have reached their limits for millions of …

With census data showing a more diverse population in Minnesota, advocates say it's important to adopt policies that meet the needs of growing racial groups, including older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Setting Fair Policies for Older BIPOC Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The challenges facing older Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Minnesotans will be the focal point of a virtual forum tomorrow…

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says even though a new emergency assistance program is geared for Hennepin County, it has advisers available to residents all over the state if they're struggling with their mortgage because of the crisis. (Adobe Stock)

As Jobless Benefits Expire, MN Foreclosure-Prevention Efforts Expand

MINNEAPOLIS -- State officials said nearly 100,000 Minnesotans now are without extra unemployment benefits provided by the federal government during t…

Since 2000, Hennepin and Ramsey counties have seen an increase of nearly 30,000 Black households, but the number of homes owned by Black families declined. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Corporate-Owned Rentals Cut Into Black Homeownership

MINNEAPOLIS -- Long known for its homeownership disparities, the Twin Cities region has seen a widening of the gap between Black residents and their …

Each year, nearly 30,000 families get help from the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which provides payments to households with children to help cover basic expenses. (Adobe Stock)

MN Group Calls for State Stimulus for Families in Poverty

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As talks ramp up on another federal COVID-relief package, Minnesota groups point out that some families in poverty are still …

In Minnesota, an estimated 15% of mortgages are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and might be eligible for a program to help avoid foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)

MN Homeowners Have Extra Time to Apply for Mortgage Relief

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Since the pandemic began, many state and federal policies have been enacted to prevent renters from being evicted. But there's …

In addition to helping with heating bills, Minnesota offers a program for low-income residents that provides assistance with weatherizing their homes to save on energy costs. (Adobe Stock)

Heating Assistance Can Bring Some Relief During Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- New COVID-19 stimulus packages are still being hashed out at both the state and federal level. But for immediate help, a …

Developers have added many senior living facilities across Minnesota, but state leaders and senior advocates say communities need to address a variety of issues to make cities more

Push Continues to Make MN "Age-Friendly"

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota is projected to see a larger population of older adults in the next decade. To coincide with that growth, state leaders …

Minnesota's state budget and economy have taken a hit in the pandemic crisis, but a new public-works program could help jump-start economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

MN Bonding Bill: Help for State Workers, Affordable Housing

MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite the early arrival of snowy weather in Minnesota, supporters of public-works projects are looking forward to groundbreakings …

A new Census Bureau report says 143,000 Minnesota children are living in poverty. Nationwide, the number is 10.5 million. (Adobe Stock)

New Child Poverty Report Shows Mixed Data for MN

MINNEAPOLIS -- Newly released figures show Minnesota's overall childhood poverty rate declined last year. But the Census Bureau report indicates …

State officials say they anticipate Minnesota residents in need of new emergency housing assistance will be able to begin applying within the next month. (Adobe Stock)

Rental Funding Applauded, But MN Group Fears More Need is Coming

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesotans struggling financially during the pandemic will see some more relief in trying to make their housing payments. The …

The Minnesota Housing Partnership estimates that 85,000 residents living in affordable rental units could be displaced as a result of the economic downturn. (Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Demand More Rental Assistance as Crisis Grows

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota lawmakers are being asked to approve $100 million in emergency funding for people who can't pay their rent during the …

A study by the Wilder Foundation says roughly 20,000 people experience homelessness on a given night in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Aid Groups for MN Homeless Brace for More Challenges

DULUTH, Minn. - State government agencies have taken steps to protect Minnesotans who are homeless during the pandemic - but aid groups say they're …

The Twin cities added 2,365 affordable units in 2018, a number that is considered well below the pace to meet current needs. (Adobe Stock)

Twin Cities Face Gap in Meeting Future Affordable Housing Needs

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Elected officials and social-service groups are pledging to make affordable housing a priority in the Twin Cities. But one agency …

Minnesota is currently the only state that does not license assisted-living facilities. (Sabinevanerp/Pixabay)

MN Lawmakers Consider New Protections Against Elder Abuse

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As Minnesota lawmakers consider new legislation to help prevent incidents of elder abuse, a new report uncovers the troubling scope …

Workloads for Minnesota's state public defenders are too high and affect their ability to represent clients, according to a 2010 report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor. (AJEL/Pixabay)

Do Overworked and Underpaid MN Public Defenders Put Justice at Risk?

By Filiberto Nolasco Gomez / Broadcast version by Roz Brown Reporting for the Workday Minnesota-Minnesota News Connection Collaboration MINNEAPOLIS &…

Lack of affordable housing, loss of employment and chronic health conditions are the three top reasons people are homeless in Minnesota. (blogs.mprnews.org)

Help for Homeless at Minneapolis' Largest Encampment

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The annual Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Conference will be held in Duluth next week as Minneapolis responds to one …

More than 533,000 Minnesotans live in households below the federal poverty threshold, and a new report cites major gaps in racial disparity. (Chris Bastian/Flickr)

Big Goals, Little Progress on Fighting Poverty in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota has a deadline to reduce poverty, and it's only two years away. Nine years ago, a bipartisan legislative commission …

Meterologists say this winter's January temperatures were average for Minnesota. (Laurie Stern)

More Minnesotans Can Get Help with Heating Bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Only about one in four Minnesota households eligible for help with heating bills is getting it. The Low Income Energy …

Kateri Residence in South Minneapolis plans to close in June. (Laurie Stern)

Native Women's Shelter: One Door Closes, Another Opens

MINNEAPOLIS – Last month, nine residents of a South Minneapolis shelter learned their long-term home would be shuttered in June. Kateri …

The annual Memorial March for the Homeless draws hundreds every December. (Simpson Housing Services)

MN's Homeless to Be Remembered in Winter's Cold

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hundreds of marchers will take to the streets in Minneapolis Thursday evening to remember people who died from lack of housing…

Data about who in Minnesota is homeless is released every three years by the Wilder Foundation. (Wokandapix/Pixabay)

Minnesotans Debate Solutions for Homelessness

BRAINERD, Minn. – More than 600 people are brainstorming solutions to homelessness today and tomorrow in Brainerd. The annual conference of the …

Minnesota has a new round of grants to help mothers struggling with drug addiction. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Help for MN Moms Struggling with Drug Addiction

MINNEAPOLIS – New grant money is being used by a dozen organizations in Minnesota to help pregnant and parenting women face and conquer their su…

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MN: Housing/Homelessness