Do You Need Assistance Paying Your Rent?
Rent and utilities consumer a large portion of a household’s monthly income. If you are paying more than 30% of your gross income towards rent and utilities, it is hard to make ends meet.
The Housing Choice Voucher program may be able to help.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs), formerly known as Section 8, is a program that helps make market rate housing affordable.
Program participants may pay a minimum of 30% of their adjust gross income for rent and utilities. The remaining amount is paid directly to the landlord by Northwest Minnesota Multi-County HRA in the form of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).
Program participants are responsible for finding their own unit that accepts HCVs.
Income Limits
All affordable housing programs qualify recipients based on their income from income limits that are set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Along with income, family size is taken into consideration as well because of a high cost of living providing for a large family.
We encourage everyone to apply to determine eligibility, even if you feel you may not qualify.
Our Service Area
Northwest Minnesota Multi-County HRA’s service area is located in Northwest Minnesota, providing assistance in eight counties. The counties served are Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk*, Red Lake, and Roseau.
*Limited availability in the City of Crookston
Our service area borders North Dakota and Canada. We are located 4 to 8 hours from the Minneapolis/St. Paul/Metro area. We strongly encourage you to research the area and see what it has to offer. Most of our service area are small, remote towns and very limited public transportation.
View HUD’s Fact Sheet & FAQs
Resources for Applicants, Landlords, & Tenants
Complete an application to find out if you qualify.
Additional Programs & Information
Section 3 Economic Opportunities
For those with disabilities and low or very low income there a HUD assisted projected is located.
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)
Helping those on the Housing Choice Voucher program get on track with their employment and educational goals
Section 8 Home Ownership Program
Assistance with mortgage payments for current participants of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Rent Assistance FAQs
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First, you must complete and return the application for rent assistance. Your name will then be placed on our waiting list. Once selected, a Housing Specialist will contact you to see if you qualify for the program.
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This will vary as it depends on your income, the number of people in your household, where you live, and other criteria. Once you receive a letter stating you have been placed on our waiting list, you are welcome to contact our office for an approximate wait time.
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Rent guidelines will vary based on unit size you qualify for and the county you reside in. You may contact our office for additional information.