Working Group on Housing

(Posted 6/21/22)

News from HomeHelpMN

The application period for HomeHelpMN has been extended until August 17 to allow more time for Minnesota homeowners to apply for assistance.

HomeHelpMN provides $109 million in federal assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other homeownership-related expenses due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program opened for applications on May 17 and has already received applications from over 2,800 households, with requests for funds representing about a third of the available funding.

Estimates based on foreclosure and delinquency data, however, show that there are potentially tens of thousands of Minnesota households who may be eligible for the assistance. To allow more time for homeowners to request assistance, the program is extending the application period until August 17 at 5:00 PM.

English: HomeHelpMN still has funds available to assist homeowners who are behind on house payments and other expenses like property taxes, lot rent, and homeowner association fees. The application period has been extended until August 17 so that more people have a chance to apply. Visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 800-388-3226 to learn more and start your application.

(Posted 5/17/22)

“Our Catholic faith teaches that housing is a universal and inviolable right of all persons. This right must be available to all people, and we have a particular concern for individuals who are most vulnerable. We advocate for this just as Catholic service providers endeavor to meet the needs of all who come to their doors. In this way, we pursue the imperative work of mercy that Jesus made known in saying ‘I was . . . a stranger and you welcomed me.’

USCCB Public Affairs Office September 11,2020

You can watch a recording of a seminar hosted by St Paul office of Catholic Charites on March 1, 2022 entitled RX: HOUSING, THE CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEALTH AND HOUSING” View Here

(Posted 9/27/2022)

Micah Bus Tour

MICAH, the Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, has been fighting for housing justice and racial equity for decades. We believe everyone, without exception, be they black, brown, or white, rich or poor, should have a safe, decent, accessible and affordable home.

This year we will be looking at shelter, affordable rental, and taking a dive into racial bias in housing and how it impacts us today. In the past we have gone from Hugo to Maplewood, from White Bear to Stillwater, we have shown people shelters and drop-in centers, affordable rental and affordable ownership housing, projects big and projects small.

Our bus tour will be a virtual Zoom meeting again this year. We still have a route and a bus, but we can’t serve coffee or lunch! This year the tour is from 8 AM to 9:30 AM on Wednesday October 12th

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Kerber [email protected] 651-429-7771 option 1.

(Posted 9/6/2022)

HomeHelpMN – Increases Assistance and Extends Deadline

HomeHelpMN adopted program changes last week that expand eligibility. The changes took effect on Friday, August 12. The cap on assistance was increased to $50,000 per household. The prior limit was $35,000.

There is no longer a time restriction on past-due expenses. Previously, expenses had to be incurred after January 21, 2020. For applications being processed, the new criteria will be used and no additional action is needed. Applicants who were previously denied but are still in need of assistance and meet eligibility criteria may request their case be reopened by calling 800.388.3226.

HomeHelpMN also lifted the August application deadline earlier this month. Homeowners with past-due mortgage payments and other eligible housing expenses can apply for assistance as long as funds remain. While there is no application deadline, homeowners with past-due expenses are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The HomeHelpMN dashboard is available on the program website. To begin an application or learn more, visit HomeHelpMN.org or call 800.388.3226

At-risk Homeowners are Prioritized

HomeHelpMN prioritizes applications for homeowners at imminent risk of foreclosure and housing displacement. We communicate with third-party vendors to establish the vendor as payees and inform them of the homeowner’s application for assistance to pay the amounts past due. Homeowners can apply even if they are in discussions with their mortgage servicer about a loss mitigation workout, are in forbearance, or are in active foreclosure. The team has assisted in postponing 28 lot rent evictions and 63 sheriff sale dates, to allow time for cases to be processed and third parties to receive payments.

About HomeHelpMN

Minnesota homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have past-due housing expenses may be eligible for financial assistance to bring their payments current. Applications for assistance can be submitted online at HomeHelpMN.org or over the phone at 800.388.3226. The website and application are available in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong. The call center supports these languages and more. Call center hours are from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Kerber [email protected] 651-429-7771 option 1.

(Posted 7/27/2022)

Habitat For Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is currently looking for AmeriCorps members to help advance our mission starting this Fall . Twin Cities Habitat works with AmeriCorps to offer opportunities to individuals who are interested in building up their communities while gaining experience with construction, programs and services, and more in a nonprofit setting. You’ll also make memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to a $21,000 living allowance, health insurance, and childcare reimbursement, once you’ve completed your service term, you’ll receive a Segal Education Award that is worth over $6,000! This can be applied to help with payment of tuition, loans, or continuation of education. If you are not looking to repay loans or go back to school, this award can be passed down to your child or grandchild. You can find out about these and other great benefits at the link below.

AmeriCorps changes lives every day – and applying could change yours! Learn more about the program and opportunities here, and don’t forget to share with your friends!

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Kerber [email protected] 651-429-7771 option 1.

Habitat For Humanity

St. Mary of the Lake has been involved in a Habitat for Humanity build for more than 20 years and has participated in building at least 7 homes in the White Bear Lake area and others throughout the east metro area. This summer we will be working on a build located at 255 2^nd St. N, Bayport, MN on July 20 – 22 from 8:30-4:00 PM. Volunteer for the build HERE

All volunteers must be at least 17 years of age, follow the COVID protocol and safety rules outlined on the volunteer website and commit to working the full day’s shift. Each volunteer will be responsible for their own food and drink while at the build.

For more information, please contact Sr. Mary Kerber [email protected] 651-429-7771 option 1.

Advocating Opportunities for Shelter and Housing for our Vulnerable Neighbors

Emergency Shelters Need Additional Funding
80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties lack needed shelter beds, far too many Minnesotans are sleeping in vans, cars, or outside. We need to do better.

Seniors, those with mental health issues and persons of color are disproportionately represented in our homeless population. We know that shelter saves lives and provides dignity to these struggling Minnesotans.

Funding for emergency shelter is currently being discussed in the Health and Human Services Conference Committee. Contact your Senator TODAY to urge support for the House provisions investing in shelter capital funding and funding the costs of those spaces through the Emergency Services Program. If you have an additional five minutes, please call the Co-chairs of that committee as well:

Senator Jim Abeler: 651-296-3733
Representative Jen Schultz: 651-296-2228

Share Your Concerns and Your Stories
Individual stories are so impactful. Share what you see in your community and neighborhood and where you volunteer. Help legislators understand why immediate, full-time access to sports betting will be harmful. Tell them about the people you see who can’t afford a place to live. And share that you are a person of faith and urge them to act justly.

You can find out who represents you and how to contact them by using this link: Who Represents Me?

Please make these two contacts today.

Eviction filings have soared over 65% since RentHelpMN closed abruptly due to lack of funds. 1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. The Minnesota House of Representatives current rental assistance bills include approximately $59 million, with $49 million of that for resources similar to emergency rental assistance.

Please contact your State Senator and Representative Find Your Legislator

to let them know rental assistance is essential to Minnesota families and should be included at the highest levels possible.

1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. Protect our children from being poisoned by Lead Paint. Support the Lead Safe Homes Bill.

Call or email these Legislative Leaders TODAY:

Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman
Phone: 651-296-4280
E-mail: [email protected]

Majority Leader of the Senate Jeremy Miller
Phone: 651-296-5649
E-mail: [email protected]

Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
Phone: 651-201-3400
Contact Form: https://mn.gov/governor/contact/

Suggested message:

My name is __ and I live at [___address & city___].
Please support Rental Assistance Now, which is desperately needed by Minnesota families across our state. RentHelpMN closed with only a few days’ notice and we need $330 million to serve qualifying households with this pandemic-related assistance. COVID- 19 cases have doubled since mid-March and evictions are skyrocketing, increasing displacement and homelessness for many households. Keeping renters stably housed by preventing evictions for those unable to pay the rent keeps our families and communities safe. 1 in 3 homes in Minnesota may have lead paint. Protect our children from being poisoned by Lead Paint. I support the Lead Safe Homes SF 1077 and HF 616.

Working Group on Housing

Advocating Opportunities for Shelter and Housing for our Vulnerable Neighbors

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