NWMNHRA provides rental assistance to eight NW Minnesota Counties

You could get rental assistance in any home that meets program requirements as long as it is in the northwest Minnesota service area.

If you are looking for a cash grant to deal with eviction emergencies, this is not the agency for you. Northwest Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority is a nonprofit organization that provides substantial rental relief for eight Minnesota counties, but it is not an emergency rent program.

Instead, the agency provides rental opportunities to hundreds of lower income families that need help meeting their monthly living costs. As the administrator of the Federal Section 8 program, vouchers reduce the normal rental rates charged by landlords. This is not a housing project. Instead, you may live anywhere you wish so long as the property is deemed suitable and safe for the program.

The best part is that your total rent and utility cost is capped at between 30 and 40% of your monthly adjusted gross income. A voucher that you provide to your landlord ensures that they receive the balance of their normal rent. Payment is made directly to them from the organization.

In order to be considered for the Section 8 program, you will need to complete an application and mail it in to be added to the waiting list. When a space comes available in your county, your name could be called to receive a break in your rent. To request an application, call 218-637-2431.

Subsidized Rental Properties

If you are reluctant to wait for the Section 8 program to free up space for you, consider whether one of the following rental properties may work for you. Rent is similarly subsidized for these units, meaning you would only be responsible for 30% of your income as a rent payment. Some may include partial utilities as well at this discounted price.

  • One bedroom apartments. Five different apartment communities (Badger, Fertile, Fisher, Fosston and Middle River) provide 79 single bedroom apartments. Rent is capped at 30% of your income, with a current cap of $395 a month including utilities.
  • Maplewood Apartments. Eight single bedroom apartments in Mentor participate in the rental assistance program. Rent is $450.
  • Three bedroom homes. Maximum rent of $570 a month is charged, but rent can be lower depending on your income. Some utility assistance is also provided. There are 24 homes located in Climax, Erskine, Fertile, Hallock, Kennedy, Lake Bronson, Lancaster, Newfolden, Oslo and St. Hilaire.
  • Fosston Homes. Duplexes in Fosston provide 14 rental opportunities in a mix of one or two bedroom setups. Rent is $425-460 a month with utilities included.

For the above communities, contact NWMNHRA at 218-637-2431.

Additional subsidized rental options are available at similar rates. You will need to contact Greater Minnesota Management at 218-637-6093 for availability information on one of the following properties:

  • Otterkill Apartments. This complex in Bagley provides 40 individual apartments.
  • Foxtail Townhomes. Three and four bedroom apartments are leased to 40 lower income families in Thief River Falls. All utilities are included in the rent.
  • Summerfield Place Apartments. Units of 1,2 or 3 bedrooms are available throughout northwest Minnesota in 17 cities. Competitive market rents are charged.

As you can see, there really is a lot of rental assistance and subsidized housing available through the organization, even if they don’t provide direct handouts. If you have been struggling for a long time, find out what they can do for you and your household.