Minnesota’s Semcac assists with a late rent or mortgage payment
Minnesota residents who need a temporary grant to pay their rent have a very valuable resource. Semcac provides real help in the form of a rent payment to struggling families in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona counties.
The assistance comes in the form of a single month’s rent or mortgage payment. Imagine what this type of boost could do for you and your family during your time of need.
This boost is a one time event. Semcac does not desire to be a permanent source of funding for a household, nor do they have the funding to do so.
Additionally, the assistance provided by the organization must be enough to get your family through its short-term money problems. Chronic shortages will not qualify. Instead, your request for funding will be more likely to be approved if you can justify your need via a bona fide temporary hardship.
Perhaps you were injured and cannot work for a few weeks. Maybe car repairs set you back. Semcac wants to know that their assistance will help you maintain an on-time rental history or stay current on your mortgage. What they will not do is throw good money after bad for a family who is 6 months late on their rent.
There are some financial qualifications that you will need to meet. A case manager will ask you questions about your situation and may provide suggestions on changes that you can make to improve your chances of success. Furthermore, you will need to commit to follow-up counseling visits so that your case manager can ensure that you are getting by and making good financial decisions. They are committed to your success even after they have granted your funding request for a rent or mortgage payment.
Semcac’s assistance also goes beyond missed payments. They can also help with an initial rent payment plus security deposit for a family who would otherwise face homelessness and need to live in a rural area. A low income family who needs safe housing just might get the boost they need through this program.
The above programs are very effective for families who find themselves short and at risk for eviction or foreclosure. Individuals who suffer from chronic financial difficulties and who otherwise would be homeless may be better suited to the shelter in Albert Lea. Emergency shelter services are available for up to 3 months.
Semcac’s rental assistance program is funded by public and private sources. It can help with back rent or security deposits without a loan for those who face a temporary crisis. The goals of course are to prevent eviction or homelessness.
To find out if you qualify, contact your local office:
- Albert Lea: 507-373-1329
- Austin: 507-433-5889
- Caledonia: 507-725-3677
- Kasson: 507-634-4350
- Owatonna: 507-451-7134
- Preston: 507-765-2761
- Winona: 507-452-8396 or clinic at 507-452-4307
For more information, visit Semcac.org.