Programs that prevent eviction in St. Paul, MN

Local tenants that find themselves behind on rent payments can quickly become homeless. There are however programs that can sometimes help tenants avoid an eviction if the right qualifications are met.

(Request from Antuan in St. Paul, Minnesota) I applied to numerous emergency assistance programs but to be turned down. I have a 4 year old daughter and I am new to this stressful life I’m living. I don’t know where to turn, no family to help me. I’m 27 years old living on my own and about to become homeless, I just need a little help to get on my feet. I have a new job starting August 1st but I need money by August 4th. Today they gave me a week in court and I don’t know what to do. Please help.

Dear Antuan,

If you are raising your daughter on your own as a single dad, my hat is off to you. I know that it is difficult, and the court just made things more complicated for your family. I do not know which programs you applied through so I will point you to some of the options available to tenants who are facing eviction in Ramsey County.

General Assistance (GA/EGA)

General Assistance is one potential option for helping you with the arrears. This assumes that paid up rent would cancel the eviction order, which you would need to confirm with the landlord and the court even if you were approved.

Given the short nature of the eviction order, Emergency General Assistance may be a more appropriate option. Either program may be a possible match for your situation. The Financial Assistance Services Department at Ramsey County Human Services can help you determine whether you qualify.

Emergency Assistance (EA)

Ramsey County also offers Emergency Assistance as a crisis intervention tool for families who may be facing homelessness. This is often the last line of defense for a household who has received an eviction notice or order.

Any of the county’s emergency aid programs may be accessed by calling 651-266-4444. A representative can schedule an appointment with a caseworker who can evaluate qualification information and need. These programs are funded by the Minnesota Family Investment Program Consolidated Fund.

The Family Place

Another option that receives support from the county government is The Family Place. This charity is committed to providing emergency housing solutions to St. Paul residents who are facing homelessness.

This is not some ordinary homeless shelter. Instead, the organization provides temporary emergency housing for families while they are working to secure transitional housing or permanent residence. Even meals are provided. With new employment, this could be a temporary fix for allowing you to have a safe place to live for a couple of weeks while waiting for regular paychecks to be received.

Staff will help you locate suitable housing and can even match you with any outside funding that could help with security deposits. This could be a great opportunity to secure a better living arrangement and allow your family a new start.

A representative of The Family Place can be contacted at 561-225-9354. Be sure to tell them that you are starting a new job but that paychecks will still take some time. Also share your immediate situation, including the eviction order so that they can make arrangements for you right away.

Given the fact that you only have a week to vacate the property, it may be more feasible to find a new housing opportunity than to try and fight the eviction. A case manager can help to evaluate your situation to determine which option will work best for your situation.

Short-term Loan

The only real options for beating the eviction would both require coming up with all of the arrears and next month’s rent prior to the eviction date. Funding for rent arrears looks fairly limited in Ramsey County currently.

The other possibility for remaining in the current home comes at a cost. If any lender would approve a personal loan, then this could raise the necessary cash to stay put. Short-term lenders should be avoided entirely. Your bank or credit union though may be able to provide a couple thousand dollar loan to cure the arrears while providing you the flexibility to repay the proceeds over months or even a couple of years. Understand that interest charges can add to the costs, but it could help to limit the damage to your credit rating. After all, the current arrears will still be a liability for which you are responsible for. This is a limited option that should only be entertained if income will allow it and if credit scores are at least in the mid 600s.