History of the HRA

After much effort and persistence by Bill Seeger, the HRA was organized in September 1972.  The area of operation included the counties of Kittson, Polk, Marshall, Pennington, and Red Lake.  In September of 1973, Roseau County was added making up the present six county area of Northwestern Minnesota.  In addition, we contracted with various counties to operate housing programs on their behalf. 

On August 29, 1975, the HRA began with a program called Section 8 Existing Housing Rental Assistance.  This program made assistance available to elderly and low income families who live in existing standard approved rented houses or apartments.  Very often these are the homes that they already occupy.  We now operate over 750 units for rent assistance to low-income families in our seven county area.

In 1979 and 1980, HUD authorized the HRA to construct Public Housing units.  The HRA constructed 24 scattered site three-bedroom homes and 50 units of one-bedroom elderly apartments located in Fertile, Fisher, & Climax.

In 1982, approval was received for 44 additional elderly units sited in Badger, Fosston, and Middle River.  The Public Housing project differs from the Section 8 program  in that the HRA actually owns the project units as opposed to private ownership.  Presently the HRA owns and operates 118 Public Housing units.

The HRA also has been very active with pursuing and operating Minnesota Housing Finance Agency funds.  The HRA uses MHFA funds to do numerous rental and homeowner grant programs.  In addition, we have received funds for the Community Revitalization Fund program where private and public investors team with MHFA to assist with down payment to prospective homeowners.

In 1996, the HRA established a 501C4 Community Organization Development Organization to assist area residents with homeownership and create new housing opportunities for our citizens.  Also, in 1997 the HRA organized a management company by creating a 501C3 for that specific purpose.  The company was organized to manage the affordable rental units that were funded by essential function bonds.  Summerfield Apartments, as they are called today, are located in 17 communities.  Greater Minnesota Management Company has increased their portfolio other than Summerfield and manages over 600 rental units in the region. 

The HRA continues to work with cities and counties to assist with their economic and community development needs.

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Site last updated on 04/07/2008