Minnesota Rent Relief: Your Action Plan for Housing Assistance

Facing a housing crisis and searching for Minnesota rent relief can feel overwhelming, but immediate help is available. Financial assistance programs exist across the state to help you pay past-due rent, cover security deposits, and prevent eviction.

From statewide initiatives managed by Minnesota Housing to county-level emergency aid and support from local non-profits, there are multiple avenues for support. This resource provides a clear, step-by-step breakdown of available programs, eligibility requirements, and exactly how to apply to secure the housing stability you and your family need.

The Minnesota Rent Relief System: How It Works

Successfully finding rent relief in Minnesota requires understanding how the system is organized. It is not a single program but a network of government agencies and non-profit partners working together.

Financial support flows from the state level down to local communities, where residents can access it. Knowing who to contact and in what order is the most important step toward getting help.

State-Level Agencies: The Funders

At the top level are two primary state agencies that manage and distribute state and federal funds for housing assistance:

• Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA): This is the state’s main housing agency. It runs large-scale grant programs designed to fund affordable housing and provide rental subsidies. MHFA typically does not provide money directly to individuals. Instead, it awards grants to local governments and non-profit organizations, which then deliver the assistance to residents.
• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS): The DHS oversees various social service and cash assistance programs, including emergency aid for housing crises. Like MHFA, it works through county and tribal human services offices to administer these benefits to the public.

County and Tribal Governments: The Administrators

For most Minnesotans facing an immediate housing crisis, the local county or Tribal Nation human services office is the most important starting point. These government bodies are the primary administrators of emergency assistance programs, receiving funds from the state and federal government to process applications from residents in their jurisdiction.

Programs at this level are designed to provide short-term, emergency cash grants to prevent eviction or utility disconnection. The main application portal for most county-level assistance is the online system MNbenefits.mn.gov.

Non-Profit and Community Partners: The Service Providers

A vital part of the rent relief network is composed of non-profit and community-based organizations. Groups like Community Action Partnerships, The Salvation Army, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Catholic Charities, and local organizations like the Wilder Foundation or Neighborhood House are often the on-the-ground service providers.

These partners play several key roles:

• They may have their own private funding to assist with rent.
• They often receive contracts from the state and county to administer official government programs, such as the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP).
• They provide essential case management and support services to help families achieve long-term stability.

In many cases, after applying for county aid, the next step is to connect with one of these community partners who may have access to different funding streams or specialized programs.

Coordinated Entry System: The Triage Process for Homelessness

For individuals and families who are currently experiencing homelessness—meaning they are sleeping in a shelter, in a car, or outside—there is a specific, mandatory process called the Coordinated Entry System (CES).

This statewide system is designed to assess the needs of people without housing and match them with the most appropriate long-term housing resources, such as permanent supportive housing. It is not a traditional waiting list but a system that prioritizes those with the most significant needs. Access to certain state-funded programs, like the Housing Trust Fund, is available only through a referral from the Coordinated Entry System.

Statewide Programs from Minnesota Housing (MHFA)

Minnesota Housing (MHFA) is the financial engine behind many of the state's rent relief efforts. While individuals do not apply directly to MHFA for assistance, understanding its major programs helps in identifying the local organizations that distribute these funds. The primary way for a person in need to find help is by using the "Find Housing Help" resource on the MHFA website, which directs them to the correct local providers.

Bring It Home Rental Assistance Program

The Bring It Home program is a newer state initiative created to provide rental assistance for low-income families across Minnesota.

• Purpose: The program offers both tenant-based vouchers (which move with the family) and project-based assistance (tied to a specific apartment unit). It is targeted at households with incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with a special priority for families with children whose incomes are below 30% AMI.
• How to Access: MHFA has awarded approximately $123 million in grants to local Program Administrators, such as Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs). To access this assistance, residents must contact their local housing authority or designated non-profit partner. The MHFA website directs individuals seeking this help to its "Find Housing Help" page.
• Status: The application period for administrators is closed, which means the funds are now with local agencies and being distributed to the community.

Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)

FHPAP is one of the state's core programs for preventing and ending homelessness. It offers a flexible combination of financial aid and supportive services.

• Purpose: FHPAP provides direct financial assistance for costs like rent payments, security deposits, or utility bills. It is coupled with support services to help households stabilize their housing situation quickly.
• Eligibility: The program is for Minnesota residents with a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines who are currently homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.
• How to Access: Individuals must apply through a designated local FHPAP provider, not MHFA. MHFA provides a statewide map and a contact list of FHPAP providers for every county. Finding and contacting the correct local provider is the necessary first step.
• Status: The program is active and continuously funded, with MHFA regularly opening applications for local organizations to become FHPAP providers.

Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Rental Assistance

The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) program provides rental assistance for some of Minnesota's most vulnerable residents who are experiencing homelessness.

• Purpose: HTF offers temporary rental assistance, security deposits, and other housing-related expenses for individuals and families designated as High Priority Homeless (HPH). The assistance is provided in partnership with supportive services to help participants achieve long-term housing stability.
• How to Access: Access to this program is highly restricted. Individuals cannot apply directly for HTF rental assistance. The only way to access this program is to be assessed and referred through the local Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Status: The program is active and funded, with ongoing contract terms for the local agencies that administer it.

County Emergency Assistance: Your First Call for Help

For most renters facing an unexpected financial crisis, county-run emergency assistance programs are the first and most direct source of help. These programs provide immediate, short-term cash grants to resolve a crisis and prevent homelessness.

The fastest way to apply is through the state's centralized online portal, MNbenefits.mn.gov. This single application can be used for multiple benefit programs at once, including emergency assistance, SNAP (food support), and cash assistance. After submitting an online application, a county financial worker will typically call to conduct a required phone interview.

Deep Dive: Ramsey County Emergency Assistance

Ramsey County offers two distinct emergency programs based on household composition. Both are designed to help with shelter costs like past-due rent or a security deposit, as well as utility bills to prevent disconnection.

• Emergency Assistance (EA): This program is for households with children and pregnant women.
• Emergency General Assistance (EGA): This program is for adults without children in the household.

General Eligibility Requirements:

1. Time Limit: The household has not received EA or EGA help in the last 18 months.
2. Income: Household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
3. Need: The household does not have enough resources or assets to resolve the financial crisis.
4. Sustainability: The household can demonstrate it has enough ongoing income to pay bills moving forward.

The benefits and target populations differ significantly between the two programs, as detailed below.

How to Apply in Ramsey County:

• New Applicants: The fastest way is to apply online at MNbenefits.mn.gov. Alternatively, call the Intake Hotline at 651-266-4444.
• Current Public Assistance Recipients: If a household already has an open case for SNAP, healthcare, or cash assistance, they should contact their caseworker directly or call the Emergency Assistance Hotline at 651-266-4884 to apply.

Deep Dive: Hennepin County Emergency Programs

Hennepin County also provides short-term aid to residents in a financial crisis. Assistance can cover housing costs like past-due rent or damage deposits, utility shut-off prevention, moving expenses, and even home repairs.

The application process is similar to Ramsey County's, with the preferred method being the online application at MNbenefits.mn.gov, followed by a required phone interview. However, the structure of assistance in Hennepin County involves a critical partnership with a non-profit organization.

• Hennepin County Emergency Assistance: This is the primary government program. Residents apply here first for help with a range of emergency needs.
• Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC): CAP-HC is a key non-profit partner that runs its own Rental Assistance program. This program can help pay past-due rent or a security deposit with grants of up to $1,000. It has its own application and eligibility requirements, including a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The Sequential Application Process: To receive security deposit assistance from CAP-HC, an applicant must first apply for and receive a denial letter from Hennepin County Emergency Assistance. This means a resident in need of a security deposit must follow a specific order:

1. Apply to Hennepin County's program via MNbenefits.mn.gov.
2. If denied, save the denial letter.
3. Use that denial letter to apply for CAP-HC's Rental Assistance program.

For renters in Hennepin County who are unsure where to begin, the Tenant Resource Connection is an essential first call. They provide referrals and direct assistance for emergency aid, legal help, and mediation services at 612-767-9737.

City-Specific Rental Assistance (Minneapolis & St. Paul)

In addition to state and county programs, Minnesota's largest cities sometimes offer their own unique housing initiatives. However, their approaches and the availability of direct rent relief can differ significantly.

Minneapolis: Stable Homes Stable Schools

The City of Minneapolis runs a highly specialized and targeted rental assistance program called Stable Homes Stable Schools. This program is not a general emergency fund but a long-term initiative aimed at a specific population.

• Purpose: This program is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), and the YMCA. It provides up to three years of rental assistance to families with school-age children who are experiencing homelessness.
• Eligibility: To be eligible, a family must have a student enrolled in an eligible MPS school, be experiencing homelessness as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Act, and have a household income at or below 30% of the Area Median Income.
• How to Access: This program has a single, exclusive entry point. Families cannot apply directly. They must be referred into the program by a school social worker at their child's school.

St. Paul: Focus on County-Level Aid

The landscape for direct rent relief in St. Paul is different. The city's primary COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program is now closed. The city's current housing strategy focuses more on long-term solutions, such as using its Housing Trust Fund to support the construction of affordable housing units.

For St. Paul residents in need of immediate financial assistance for rent, the primary resource is Ramsey County's Emergency Assistance (EA) and Emergency General Assistance (EGA) programs. St. Paul residents should follow the application procedures for Ramsey County, starting with the MNbenefits.mn.gov website.

Key Non-Profit and Community Partners

Non-profit organizations are an indispensable part of Minnesota's housing safety net. They not only provide their own privately funded assistance but also act as official partners in delivering government-funded programs.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers a comprehensive range of housing services across Minnesota.

• Direct Financial Aid: Many local Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers provide emergency financial assistance for past-due rent and utility bills. This assistance is dependent on available funding at each location, so it is important to call first.
• Housing Programs: They operate emergency shelters, transitional housing facilities, and permanent supportive housing options for different populations.
• Government Program Administration: In some parts of the state, The Salvation Army is a designated provider for the state's Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP).  
• How to Access: The best way to find help is to enter a ZIP code on their website to find the nearest location or call the local service center to inquire about available funds.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS)

LSS is another major statewide organization deeply involved in housing stability.

• Financial Assistance: LSS provides one-time, short-term financial assistance to households facing eviction. Access to this assistance often requires a referral from the local Coordinated Entry System.
• Subsidy Administration: LSS acts as a subsidy administrator for state and federal rental assistance programs, paying rent subsidies directly to landlords on behalf of eligible households.
• Affordable Housing: The organization also owns and manages its own affordable housing properties in the Twin Cities metro area.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities operates numerous programs across Minnesota with a strong focus on housing assistance.

• FHPAP Provider: Catholic Charities serves as a key FHPAP provider in several counties, including the St. Cloud region. They help families and single adults who are homeless or at risk by providing funds for rent and utilities.
• Specialized Funds: They also run specialized programs like the Mother and Child Assistance Fund in Southern Minnesota, which provides one-time rent or utility assistance to pregnant women and families with children under one year old.

Other Key Organizations and Resources

• United Way 2-1-1: This is a free, confidential information and referral service. For anyone who is unsure where to start, dialing 2-1-1 (or 800-543-7709) is the best first step. A specialist can provide information on local housing services.
• Wilder Foundation: Serving Ramsey County, the Wilder Foundation offers an Eviction Prevention Program and a Direct Housing Assistance Program. These programs provide financial aid for rent and security deposits to eligible individuals and families.
• Neighborhood House: Also serving Ramsey County, Neighborhood House is a designated homelessness prevention provider. Its staff works directly within the Ramsey County Civil Housing Court to connect tenants facing eviction with financial resources.

Navigating the Process: Coordinated Entry, Applications, and Legal Rights

Securing rent relief requires navigating specific application systems, gathering correct documentation, and understanding legal rights. The path to assistance differs based on one's housing situation.

Understanding the Coordinated Entry System (CES)

The Coordinated Entry System is the centralized process in Minnesota for people experiencing homelessness to access housing resources.

• What It Is: CES is a standardized assessment and referral system, not a first-come, first-served waiting list. It is designed to prioritize individuals and families with the highest needs for limited housing resources.
• Who It's For: The system is for people who are literally homeless (e.g., living in a shelter, car, or on the street) or, in some regions, fleeing domestic violence or at imminent risk of homelessness.
• How It Works: A person contacts a local "access point" in their county. An assessor conducts a standardized interview to understand the household's situation. The household is then added to a regional priority pool and matched to housing openings as they become available.
• How to Find Your Access Point: The best tool for finding the correct local access point is the Homeless Services Map on the Housing Benefits 101 website (mn.hb101.org). Select a county to find a list of designated access point agencies and their contact information.

Preparing Your Application: A General Checklist

While each program may have slightly different requirements, most applications for rent or emergency assistance will require the same core documents. Gathering these items ahead of time can speed up the process.

• Photo Identification: A valid photo ID for all adult members of the household.
• Proof of Income: Documentation for the last 30 days for all adult household members, such as pay stubs or benefit statements.
• Proof of Household Size: A copy of the current lease listing all household members or a recent tax return.
• Proof of Address/Residency: A recent utility bill or a copy of the lease.
• Proof of Housing Crisis: The document that proves the emergency, such as a formal eviction notice or a letter from the landlord stating the amount of rent past due.
• Landlord Information: A completed W-9 form from the landlord is often required so that the agency can make a direct payment.

What to Do if You Are Facing Eviction

Receiving an eviction notice or a court summons is a serious event, but it is crucial to act quickly and strategically.

• Do Not Ignore a Court Summons: The single most important thing to do is attend the court hearing. If a tenant does not show up, the judge will almost certainly rule in favor of the landlord.
• Seek Immediate Free Legal Help: Tenants have rights, and several organizations in Minnesota provide free legal advice and representation to low-income renters.
• HOME Line: This statewide non-profit operates a free tenant hotline at 612-728-5767.
• Regional Legal Aid: Organizations like Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services provide free legal representation to eligible clients in housing cases.
• Hennepin County Adult Representation Services: In Hennepin County, this organization provides free lawyers to help tenants navigate the housing court system.
• Contact Your County and Local Partners: Immediately apply for emergency assistance through MNbenefits.mn.gov and contact local resources who may be able to provide financial assistance or mediation services at court.

Beyond Rent: Essential Support for Housing Stability

A housing crisis is often connected to other financial pressures. Securing long-term stability means addressing not just past-due rent but also other essential expenses.

Utility Bill Assistance

Struggling to pay for electricity, heat, or water can also put housing at risk. Several programs can help.

• Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program (EAP): This is the state's primary program for helping with energy bills. It is a federally funded program that provides grants paid directly to utility companies on behalf of eligible households. The program runs from October 1 to May 31 each year, and applications should be submitted to the local EAP service provider.
• Salvation Army Heat Share: This program, funded by donations, provides emergency assistance to households that have received a disconnection notice.
• Gas Affordability Program (GAP): For households that qualify for the Energy Assistance Program and use natural gas for heat, this program may offer an affordable payment plan.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: This program provides free home energy upgrades, such as insulation and air leak sealing, to income-eligible households to permanently reduce their energy costs.

Housing Counseling Services

For those who need guidance on budgeting, credit repair, or navigating the rental market, free help is available from certified housing counselors.

• HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds a nationwide network of housing counseling agencies. These non-profits provide free or low-cost advice on a wide range of housing topics, including rental counseling and financial management.
• Minnesota Homeownership Center: This organization supports a network of non-profit advisors across the state who provide expert, non-biased financial advice that can also be beneficial for renters looking to improve their financial health and achieve long-term housing stability.

By leveraging these additional resources, Minnesota residents can address the root causes of housing instability and build a more secure financial future.

Frequently Asked Questions