Housing

Sometimes you need a place to stay temporarily.  Here are some options to consider.

"Crashing" with family or friends   

Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️

Sometimes family or friends may be willing to host someone temporarily.  They may have expectations that you contribute in some way - helping pay rent, pitching in for groceries, helping with household chores, etc.  Sometimes it can be helpful to put these expectations in writing, or to agree to how long you will stay.  Setting clear boundaries can help maintain good relationships with those extending hospitality.  

Be sure to understand MN tenant laws regarding roommates and guests.

Short term rentals in someone else's home   

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Sometimes you can rent a bedroom or an entire apartment on a short term or month-to-month basis.  Homeowners may be looking to make some extra money, or have a gap to fill between longer term renters.  If subleasing, it is important to ensure the arrangement is allowed by the landlord.  If sharing a home, maintain a good relationship with your host by clearly communicating expectations around use of common spaces, shared expenses (utilities, household goods), etc.

People will often post short-term rentals on  Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Hotels or other nightly or week-to-week rentals

Private.Bedroom.🛏️

Some people prefer to use short-term rentals like hotels (or airbnb, etc) when in need of temporary housing.  This may offer more privacy and fewer restrictions than sober homes, board and lodges, family, etc.  Given the higher cost of renting by the night or week, you may want to consider cheaper options if any are available in order to save - for a deposit on a long-term rental, for instance.

Sober Homes or other transitional homes   

?.Private.Bedroom.?.🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   ?.Meals.Provided.?.🍽️   ?.Housing.Support.?.🔑

Housing for those in or transitioning out of chemical dependency treatment (or other situations, such as incarceration).  Usually residents are expected to participate in weekly treatment activities (support groups, etc).  Some may have religious affiliations.  Usually a house manager lives on site to provide residents support and accountability, often a peer who is also in recovery.  These types of homes are unlicensed, although organizations like MASH provide independent certification.

Search for certified Sober Homes in the MASH Directory, or ask for a referral from your Substance Use Disorder treatment provider.

Board and Lodge   

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Housing with meals provided and limited on-site staffing.  These may be residential homes or larger dormitory-like settings.  Some require residents to be sober and participate in programming (treatment, religious, etc) while others offer a "harm reduction" approach, allowing for limited use of substances on or off-site.  Bedrooms are often (but not always) shared.  Housing Support often covers the cost of lodging for those with a disabling condition who aren't receiving Social Security.

View all licensed Board and Lodges at [missing link: dept of health B&L licensing].   Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

• Local Resource: Hennepin County Board and Lodges accepting Housing Support (Date unknown)

Board and Lodge With Special Services   

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Similar to a Board and Lodge, but with additional services and support for those with specific needs (personal care, mental or chemical health, etc).  May offer limited on-site nursing.  Licensed by the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.  For higher needs, see Boarding Care Homes.

View the complete list of licensed Board and Lodge with Special Service facilities on the Department of Health website.  Or, search using Housing Benefits 101.

Boarding Care Homes   

.?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Similar to a Board and Lodge, but with on-site support for higher behavioral and medical needs, often including skilled nursing.  Typically services are more comprehensive than Assisted Living, but less so than a Nursing Home.  Licensing varies by location (may include Adult Foster Care licensing).

Search for all licensed Boarding Care Homes in the Department of Health Health Care Provider Directory.

Residential Crisis Stabilization (RCS) & Intensive Residential Treatment Services (IRTS)  

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   MN.Housing.Trust.Fund.🔑

These programs offer either 10 days (RCS) or 90 days (IRTS) room, board and rehabilitative services in order to stabilize after a mental health crisis.  Referrals often come from inpatient behavioral health units in hospitals, but it is possible to be admitted straight from the community as well.  If you can't afford your rent due to being in a treatment program, the Crisis Housing Assistance Program may be able to help.

View all licensed RCS and IRTS providers on DHS Licensing Information Lookup.

Coordinated Entry System (CES)   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Shared.Common.Areas.?.🛋️   MN.Housing.Trust.Fund.🔑   Coordinated.Entry.⛔

If you are currently homeless, the Coordinated Entry System can sometimes match you with temporary housing for up to 2 years until more permanent housing can be obtained.

• Rapid Rehousing (RRH) - Offers 3-12 months of temporary housing in a private, market-rate rental unit while receiving case management and support services.  Meant for those who can achieve stability quickly with limited assistance.

• Transitional Housing (TH) - Offers 6-24 months temporary housing in private or group housing which is leased or owned by social service programs helping the person to address barriers to independence.  Meant for those who need more time and structured support to address complex challenges.

Apply via your Coordinated Entry access point.  Qualifications for housing placement vary based on your location.  Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Housing typically are reserved for the highest need long-term homeless (including those fleeing violence).

• If currently unsheltered in Hennepin County, use this referral to meet with a Streets to Housing worker within 48 hours.

Homeless Shelters

Shared.Bedroom..🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   ?.Meals.Provided.?.🍽️ 

For emergency shelter, see Emergency Contacts.

For emergency shelter in Minneapolis & Saint Paul, see section 1 of Handbook of the Streets.

"Independent living" means residing somewhere that does not provide supportive services.  Usually it involves signing a lease (or sublease) and paying rent (or a mortgage) and utilities.

• You can live independently and receive supportive services from an outside provider; see Supportive Services In Your Home.

Renting your own apartment or home   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Subsidized.Rent.?.💸

Renting your own apartment means signing a lease - typically for a term of one year, but occasionally for a shorter term or month-to-month.  You will usually also need to pay a damage deposit (refunded when you move out) and, sometimes, an extra months rent paid in advance.  You may need to prove you have an income at least 2-3x the cost of rent, and you may be subject to a credit check.  If you have a criminal history or prior evictions, landlords may deny you housing.

Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com are examples of websites that advertise apartments for rent.  Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can be good places to find rentals from local mom & pop landlords.

If you need help to afford housing, see Help Paying for Housing.

Signing a lease with a partner, friend or roommate   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   ?.Subsidized.Rent.?.💸

If you are sharing a home with someone else, often you will both sign your names on a lease (or, less commonly, sign two separate leases).  You will likely each need to contribute to a damage deposit (refunded when you move out) and, sometimes, an extra months rent paid in advance.

Be sure to understand MN tenant laws regarding roommates and guests.

Renting a bedroom in a shared home   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️

Sometimes people will rent a room in their home or apartment.  If the person renting you a room rents their housing from a landlord, you may need to sign a "sublease" with that landlord.  When you rent a room in someone else's home, it is important to have a good relationship with them and to understand what their boundaries are around use of common spaces, sharing expenses (utilities, household goods), etc.

Often, people will rent a bedroom from a friend or relative.  Sometimes, people advertise rooms for rent on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Groups or similar sites.

Co-housing and Intentional Communities  (Including Senior Communities)   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Shared.Common.Areas.?.🛋️

These are groups of people who have chosen share time, space or resources on the basis of common values and interests.  Senior communities are just one example!  Some other examples in Minnesota include Camphill Village (centering people with intellectual disabilities) and Settled (a network of tiny home communities for those experiencing homelessness).

For intentional communities based around shared values, search the Intentional Communities Directory.  The Twin Cities Cohousing Network is active in promoting co-housing locally.  For senior communities in MN (and WI) see Senior Communities Guide. 

Home ownership   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   King of the Castle 👑

For most people "owning" a home means taking out a mortgage (a home loan) from a bank.  Instead of paying rent, you pay back a portion of the cost of buying the house to the bank one month at a time, along with interest (extra money the bank charges you in exchange for the loan).  Home owners also have to pay annual taxes, insurance, utilities (water, gas, electric, etc), services (garbage pickup) and the cost of necessary maintenance and repairs.  Getting approved for a mortgage requires a history of consistent, documented income, a good credit score and enough money to make a down-payment.  Education and financial assistance are available to help people make the transition into home ownership. 

Some alternatives to buying a house include:

• Buying a condominium

A "condo" is a single unit within a larger building or complex where you own your individual living space but ownership of common areas (like amenities and outdoor spaces) is shared.  Condo owners typically pay monthly homeowners association (HOA) fees for maintenance and upkeep of shared spaces and amenities.  Often the HOA sets other rules for condo-owners as well.

• Buying a share in a co-op

In a co-op, residents purchase a share in a corporation that owns the entire building or property.  Shareholders are entitled to lease a unit and to participate in management decisions.  A board of directors may set specific financial or lifestyle requirements for members, and members pay fees to cover the cost of taxes, maintenance and any mortgage on the property.

• Being a part of a Community Land Trust

A land trust is an arrangement where a home is owned by the occupant while the land it sits on is owned by a nonprofit. This arrangement keeps housing costs below market rates.  The benefit for participants is in making home-ownership more affordable; the downside is that, when you sell, all or some of the appreciation in the homes value goes back to the trust.

• "House Hacking" and becoming a landlord

Purchasing a multi-family property and living in one unit while renting out the other(s).  Some first-time homebuyer programs offer downpayment assistance and discounted mortgage rates that can be used to finance an owner-occupied home with 2 or even 3-4 units.  Lenders often allow borrowers to count 75% of the anticipated market-rate rent for non owner-occupied unit(s) towards their debt-to-income ratio, increasing buying power.  This is a strategy which has the potential to result in rental income that covers some or all of the cost of your mortgage payments.

For more information, see Home Ownership.

The following settings provide supportive services, usually (but not always) within a private apartment.

• For supportive services you can receive in other Independent Living settings, see Supportive Services In Your Home.

Long-term Homeless (LTH) Supportive Housing   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Shared.Common.Areas.?.🛋️   Subsidized.Rent.💸   Housing.Support.🔑   Coordinated.Entry..⛔

Housing units in community-based settings for people with a history of long-term homelessness who need significant supportive services.  Residents sign a lease and receive fully or partially subsidized rent.  Site-Based units are located in clusters together in one building and Scattered-Site units are dispersed throughout a community.  Service providers stop by throughout the week to provide support.

These units can only be accessed through the Coordinated Entry wait list.  Qualifications vary based on your location.

• Local Resource: Hennepin County LTH Providers (April 2024; direct referrals not allowed)

Housing with Services - Independent (HWS-I)   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Shared.Common.Areas.?.🛋️   Subsidized.Rent.💸.   Housing.Support.🔑   ?.Coordinated.Entry.?.⛔

Housing units in community-based settings similar to LTH Supportive Housing, but for those needing fewer supportive services.  Residents sign a lease and receive fully or partially subsidized rent.  Site-Based units are located in clusters together in one building and Scattered-Site units are dispersed throughout a community.  Service providers are available throughout the week to provide any necessary assistance. 

Many of these units are accessible only through the Coordinated Entry wait list.  Qualifications vary based on your location.  Some can also be found using HB101: Places (searching Program Type: "Site-based Supportive Housing").

• Local Resource: Hennepin County HWS-I Providers (April 2024; direct referrals may not be allowed)

Integrated Community Supports (ICS) Settings  

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   Waiver.Required.📝   ?.Housing.Support.?.🔑   

Housing and supportive services in an apartment owned or managed by an ICS service provider.  Providers are contracted to provide residents a certain number of Waiver-funded service hours which can include assistance with personal care, activities of daily living, managing healthcare or other needs.  Most ICS settings are private apartment, while some are shared by multiple residents.  Some accept Housing Support to cover rent.

View the complete list of licensed ICS Settings on the DHS website or MinnesotaHelp.info.  Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

Assisted Living   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   ?.Shared.Common.Areas.?.🛋 ️ Meals.Provided..🍽️    Waiver (or Long-Term Care Insurance).Required..📝   ?.Housing.Support.?.🔑

Housing and services for adults 65+ (or with disabilities or medical conditions) who don't need 24/7 medical care.  In addition to personal care, organized social activities are also often available.  Some offer memory care for individuals with dementia.  Units are often small apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette, despite meals being available on-site as well.  Funding sources include private pay, housing support (limited), long-term care insurance, or Medicaid (Elderly Waiver) for eligible residents.

View all licensed Assisted Living programs in the Department of Health Health Care Provider Directory.  Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

The following settings provide a combination of housing, on-site supportive services and meals for different levels of need.

Sober Homes and other transitional settings  

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Housing for those in or transitioning out of chemical dependency treatment (or other situations, such as incarceration).  Usually residents are expected to participate in weekly treatment activities (support groups, etc).  Some may have religious affiliations.  Usually a house manager lives on site to provide residents support and accountability, often a peer who is also in recovery.  These types of homes are unlicensed, although organizations like MASH provide independent certification.

Search for certified Sober Homes in the MASH Directory, or ask for a referral from your Substance Use Disorder treatment provider.

Board and Lodge

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Housing with meals provided and limited on-site staffing.  These may be residential homes or larger dormitory-like settings.  Some require residents to be sober and participate in programming (treatment, religious, etc) while others offer a "harm reduction" approach, allowing for limited use of substances on or off-site.  Bedrooms are often (but not always) shared.  Housing Support often covers the cost of lodging for those with a disabling condition who aren't receiving Social Security.  Licensed by the Department of Health.  For higher needs, see Board and Lodge With Special Services

View all licensed Board and Lodges in the [Missing:  Board and Lodge license directory].   Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

• Local Resource: Hennepin County Board and Lodges accepting Housing Support (Date unknown)

Board and Lodge With Special Services   

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Similar to a Board and Lodge, but with additional services and support for those with specific needs (personal care, mental or chemical health, etc).  May offer limited on-site nursing.  Licensed by the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services.  For higher needs, see Boarding Care Homes.

View all licensed Board and Lodge With Special Services facilities on the Department of Health licensing website.  Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

Boarding Care Homes   

.?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Housing.Support.🔑

Similar to a Board and Lodge, but with on-site support for higher behavioral and medical needs, often including skilled nursing.  Typically services are more comprehensive than Assisted Living, but less so than a Nursing Home.  Licensing varies by location (may include Adult Foster Care licensing).

View all licensed Boarding Care Homes in the Department of Health Health Care Provider Directory.

Corporate Adult Foster Care (also known as Community Residential Settings)   

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   ?.Housing.Support.?.🔑   Waiver.Required.📝

A "group home" with shift-workers caring for up to 5 residents (always with private bedrooms).  Located in residential houses integrated into neighborhood settings.  Residents must have a MA Waiver which provides the funding for the Community Residential Services provided.

View all Adult Foster Care and Community Residential Settings on the DHS Licensing Information Lookup website.  Some can also be found using HB101: Places.

Family Adult Foster Care    

Private.Bedroom.🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️   Waiver.Required.📝

A licensed residential setting where license holder resides in the home and provides direct care for the resident(s) -  as opposed to Corporate Adult Foster Care which uses a shift-worker model of staffing.

View all Adult Foster Care providers on the DHS Licensing Information Lookup website (note: it is not clear how to differentiate family settings with this search tool).

Nursing Homes (Long-Term Medical Care):   

?.Shared.Bedroom.?.🛏️🛏️   Shared.Common.Areas.🛋️   Meals.Provided.🍽️ 

Licensed, long-term care facilities that provide 24/7 medical and personal care for individuals requiring ongoing nursing supervision. They serve residents with complex medical conditions, disabilities, or those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Services typically include skilled nursing care, assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech therapy), and social activities.  Paid for through Medicare, Medical Assistance and/or Private Pay.

If considering a nursing home, you will first complete a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) to ensure there are no less restrictive care options that would be more appropriate.  View all Nursing Homes on the DHS Licensing Information Lookup website.

If you have disabilities, chronic illness or are a senior there are many options for extra help with household chores, personal care or medical needs.  These services are designed to come to you, so you can continue to live independently in your home.  They fall primarily under the prevue of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).

• Some of these services (Waiver.Required.📝) require a Waiver; to determine eligibility for Waiver-funded services, see Medical Assistance Waivers.

• If you are caring for a senior who needs additional supports, you can speak with a Caregiver Consultant through the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433.

🔴 LIFE SKILLS COACHING

Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) - Sustaining Services

HSS Sustaining Services provide recipients life skills coaching, relationship coaching, early intervention for potential housing issues, assistance with housing recertification, and advocacy to prevent eviction. The goal is to ensure long-term housing stability and prevent homelessness or institutionalization.

🟠 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS)

ARMHS workers visit you in your home periodically to provide help with basic living and social skills, symptom management, using community resources, budgeting & shopping, household management, employment skills and medication education.  

To find an ARMHS provider with immediate availability, use Fast Tracker MN (under "Services" select Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services).  See here or a list of all ARMHS providers by county.

🟡 ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

Chore Services  Waiver.Required.📝

Help with heavier household tasks like snow removal, yard work, and minor home repairs. These services help maintain a safe and accessible living environment. 

Homemaker Services  Waiver.Required.📝

Assist with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and shopping. These services support individuals who can manage their personal care but need help maintaining their home. 

🟢 PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) - Formerly Personal Care Assistance (PCA)

Provides support with personal hygiene, meal preparation, and mobility for people with disabilities.  CFSS is designed to give recipients increased independence in directing their care.

Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS)

Provides assistance to people with developmental disabilities in managing money, preparing meals, shopping, personal appearance, hygiene and other activities needed to maintain and improve their capacity to live in the community.

🔵  SUPPORT FOR UNPAID CAREGIVERS

Family Caregiver Services  ?.Waiver.Required.?.📝

Support for people who provide unpaid care to aging parents, spouses, or friends. The Minnesota Board on Aging offers resources for family caregivers, including information, counseling, caregiving trainings, respite care options and occasionally limited financial assistance.

Respite Care  Waiver.Required.📝

Provide temporary relief for primary caregivers.  Can be a few hours, overnight, or several days.

🟣 SPECIALTY ASSISTANCE

Home Care Therapies

Occupational, physical, respiratory, speech, etc

🟤 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Home Health Aide (HHA)

Provides assistance with basic medical tasks (like checking vital signs) in addition to daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Skilled Nursing Visits

Provides more intensive medical support, such as wound care, injections, or other medical treatments.

Home Care Nursing

Provides medically necessary, physician ordered nursing which is beyond the scope of Skilled Nurse Visits according to a written service plan.

Private Duty Nursing (PDN) 

One-on-one, continuous skilled nursing care for individuals with complex medical needs requiring constant supervision.  Funded privately or through Long-Term Care Insurance plans.

NOTE:  In addition insurance-funded services above many other forms of support may be available from non-profits, civic organizations, and religious communities outside the scope of this resource guide.

Adult Day Services

Offers structured programs outside the home during the day including socialization, meals, and sometimes health monitoring or physical therapy.  Ideal for those needing some supervision without full-time care at home.

[Resource Link Here]

Day Training & Habilitation (DT&H)  Waiver.Required.📝

Provides supervision, training or assistance to people with Developmental Disabilities to develop and maintain life skills, engage in productive and satisfying activities of their own choosing and to participate in community life.

Developmental Disabilities; [Resource Link Here]

Community Support Programs (CSPs)

Offer support to people with mental health conditions to reduce isolation, improve social functioning, and connect with peers and mental health staff. 

[Resource Link Here]

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Provides job training and temporary, part-time community service work to adults age 55 and older who have low incomes and are unemployed.  Participants receive a stipend while gaining skills and experience that can lead to permanent employment in the future.

DEED Funded; Unemployed individuals aged 55 and older with incomes at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  [Resource Link Here]

NOTE:  In addition to the government funded services above many other forms of support may be available from non-profits, civic organizations, and religious communities outside the scope of this resource guide.

The following services may be able to help you find housing, depending on your specific situation.

ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE with Disabilities, Substance Use Disorder or Age 65+

Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) helps people on Medical Assistance with disabilities, substance use disorder and seniors find and keep housing.  HSS providers can be found at MinnesotaHelp.info and the MHCP Provider Directory.   ♥️This Resource Guide is brought to you by Welcome Home Housing Stabilization.♥️

If moving out of an institutional setting like a hospital or nursing home, help transitioning is available through Housing Stabilization Services, Relocation Service Coordination or Moving Home MN.

CURRENTLY HOMELESS

Minnesota's Coordinated Entry System is a network of agencies which prioritize help for those in greatest need.  Use the Access Point Map to find the appropriate contact for your situation.

• Local Resource:  For emergency shelter & basic needs in Minneapolis & Saint Paul, see section 1 of Handbook of the Streets.

• Local Resource:  If sleeping outside or in a car in Hennepin County, use this referral to talk with a Streets to Housing worker within 48 hours.

AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS

Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program  provides temporary financial assistance and supportive services to those in a housing crisis.  Apply with a provider in your county.

VICTIMS OF ABUSE

Domestic violence victims are eligible for priority housing help through the Coordinated Entry System; use the Access Point Map to find the appropriate contact for your situation. 

For general support, MN Day One Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 1-866-223-1111 (24/7, interpreters are available) or by texting 612-399-9995.

• Local Resource:  For Minneapolis & Saint Paul residents, see section 5 of Handbook of the Streets (Victims of Abuse and Crime).

VETERANS

The Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V) helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness; call 1-833-222-6228.  

Nationally, the Veterans Linkage Line provides help navigating all other Veterans assistance programs; call 1-888-546-5838.

• Local Resource:  For Minneapolis & Saint Paul residents, see Section 5 of Handbook of the Streets (Help for Veterans).

AMERICAN INDIANS

Many American Indian tribes offer housing benefits to their members, and sometimes to those outside that tribe.  Housing Benefits 101 maintains a list of tribal contacts.

EX-OFFENDERS

For Minneapolis & Saint Paul residents, see Section 5 of Handbook of the Streets (Programs for Ex-Offenders).

YOUTH

For Minneapolis & Saint Paul residents, see Section 5 of Handbook of the Streets (Youth Programs)

HIV/AIDS

Help may be available through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

MARKET-RATE RENTALS

Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com are top platforms where you can search by location, price, and amenities.

Craigslist is a good place for listings from mom & pop landlords, as well as ads for shared rooms and roommate situations. 

Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Groups (like “Twin Cities Housing” or “MN Apartment Rentals”) offer listings directly from renters and landlords.

ROOMMATES AND ROOMS FOR RENT

Craigslist

Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Groups

SUBSIDIZED HOUSING

"Subsidized" means all or part of the rent is paid by government programs.

HousingLink - Search for vacancies and waiting lists for subsidized housing in MN.

Also, see Housing Options.

HOUSING WITH SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Supportive Services can include meals and transportation, help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like medication, dressing or bathing, or more intensive nursing or medical care.

Housing Benefits 101: Places - Search for Board and Lodge, Adult Foster Care/CRS, Site-Based Supportive Housing, Assisted Living and Integrated Community Support (ICS) Settings

For seniors (age 55+), see Eldercare Locator or other senior housing tools like A Place for Mom, SeniorHousingNet.com or Caring.com.

HOUSING BENEFITS

Housing benefits refers to subsidies and programs that can help you afford housing and home-care services.

Housing Benefits 101 - Comprehensive guide to housing benefits in MN. This website has a LOT of information. You can explore it on your own, or get answers to your questions via email, web chat or by calling 1-866-333-2466 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm). 

Also, see Help Paying for Housing.

The following programs help pay for urgent housing-related needs.

• For other emergency assistance, see Cash Assistance.

Emergency Assistance (families) / Emergency General Assistance (individuals)

Some counties may offer a one time cash grant that can help cover down payments, damage deposits, rent payments, home repairs, utility bills, moving expenses or transportation to relocate.  Contact your local county or tribal human services office or use the MN Combined Benefits Application and mention Emergency Assistance in the “notes” section.

Crisis Housing Assistance Program 

Provides up to 3 months of rent, mortgage and utility payments to people with a serious mental illness who are receiving inpatient or residential mental health care or Substance Use Disorder treatment.

Energy Assistance

Assistance with heat and utility bills.  Available starting Oct 1 until funds runs out.  If additional assistance is needed, ask the Salvation Army. 

Electric and Natural Gas Shutoff Protection

Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. To protect your service from disconnection you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility agree on. The utility must offer a payment plan that is reasonable for your household’s financial circumstances.  To learn more, see Shutoff Protection.

Weatherization Assistance Program

Provides energy efficiency improvements to the homes of low-income families, reducing their energy costs.  Apply here.

The following programs provide support and/or funding for moving.  

• For help furnishing a home, see Furniture and Household Goods.

Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) - Moving Expenses

Medical Assistance recipients may be eligible for up to $3,000 in moving expenses if they are transitioning out of a Medicaid-funded institution or other provider-operated living arrangement and moving into a private residence where they are responsible for their own living expenses.  To apply for moving expenses, speak with a Housing Stabilization Services provider.

Moving Home Minnesota (MHM) Transitional Services - 

Description here

MA-Waiver Transitional Services  Waiver.Required.📝

Only available to those with a MA Waiver moving to a more independent setting.  Pays for expenses (furniture, moving expenses, deposits, etc.) related to transition.  Have your Case Manager apply directly through the MCIL website, or contact your local county or tribal human services office. 

MSA Special Needs Grants

One time cash grant that can help cover a down payment, application fees or even needed furniture or appliances.  Apply for MSA using the MN Combined Benefits Application and mention MSA Housing Assistance or Special Needs Grant in the “notes” section. 

Emergency Assistance (families) & Emergency General Assistance (individuals)

Some counties may offer a one time cash grant that can help cover down payments, damage deposits, rent payments, home repairs, utility bills, moving expenses or transportation to relocate.  Contact your local county or tribal human services office or use the MN Combined Benefits Application and mention Emergency Assistance in the “notes” section.

The Arc MN Housing Access Services

Funds for deposits, mover costs and furnishings may be available; this program may be discontinued.

The following programs provide rental assistance and can be used wherever you live.  

• For specific housing units offering more affordable rent, see Affordable Housing Units.  

• For other financial assistance, see Cash Assistance.

• For programs reserved for specific populations (veterans, victims of abuse, American Indians, AIDS etc) see Help Finding Housing.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

Voucher recipients contribute ~30% of their income towards their rent; your remaining rent is paid for by the program.  To receive a Voucher, you must apply to a waiting list with a local Housing Authority.  Vouchers can be used anywhere in the US they are accepted; in Minnesota, all landlords must accept Section 8.

Search the Twin Cities Metro or Greater MN (here and here) for open waiting lists and apply.

Bridges Program

For people with mental illness who are at risk of homelessness.  Provides the same benefit as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher until they receive one:  participants contribute ~30% of their income towards rent; any remainder is paid by Bridges.  Funding also available for security deposits, damage claims, vacancy payments, application fees, financial assurance/risk mitigation program fees, and utility connection fees for housing. 

To apply, contact the appropriate agency administrating the program.  In Hennepin, Ramsey, Dakota and Anoka Counties, contact the Mental Health Resources housing hotline at 651-659-2942.   Limited availability.

MN Supplemental Aid (MSA) Housing Assistance

Provides up to half the SSI benefit rate to help pay for monthly housing costs.  For people on SSI who currently spend at least 40% of their income on housing.

To apply, use the  MN Combined Benefits Application and mention MSA Housing Assistance in the “notes” section.  Fast process if already receiving SSI.

MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) Housing Assistance

Provides $110/mo for housing costs.  For people eligible for MFIP who don't currently receive subsidized rent or public housing.

Apply by contacting your county or tribal human services office.

Homework Starts with Home 

This grant program focused on addressing homelessness and housing instability among students and their families.

Apply by locating the HSWH Contact near you.

Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)

Temporary financial assistance and supportive services to those in a housing crisis.  

Apply with a FHPAP provider in your county.

Housing Opportunities for Persons With HIV/AIDS (HOPWA)

Rental Assistance

The following programs offer more affordable rent in specific housing units.  

• For rental assistance you can use anywhere, see Rental Assistance Programs.

• For programs reserved for specific populations (veterans, victims of abuse, American Indians, AIDS etc) see Help Finding Housing.

Section 42 - Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing

Discounted housing for people with incomes below a certain percentage of the area median income (commonly 50% or 60% AMI).  Rent often reflects market-rate prices but in buildings with newer construction and more amenities.  Developers receive federal tax credits in exchange for reserving a portion of the units for lower-income tenants.

Search with HUD Resource Locator and HousingLink.   Wait times vary.

Public Housing 

Discounted housing for low-income, disabled or seniors.  Tenants pay ~30% of their income towards rent and Public Housing pays the remainder.  Owned by local governments and managed by local Housing Authorities.  Each local Housing Authority maintains their own waiting list for specific housing units.  

Search the Twin Cities Metro or Greater MN (here and here) for open waiting lists and apply.  Wait times vary.

Project-Based Section 8

Discounted housing for low-income, disabled or seniors.  Tenants pay ~30% of their income towards rent and Section 8 pays the remainder.  Operated by private landlords, with rent subsidies provided by HUD.  Subsidies are tied to specific properties; each property has its own waiting list.  

Similar HUD Programs include Section 202 (Supportive Housing for the Elderly), Section 811 (Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities) and Section 236 (Preservation Initiative) with a HUD subsidy covering rent in excess ~30% of participants' income.

Apply at participating properties.  Search for participating properties in the area you want to live using HUD Resource Locator, then call or email each property to ask if they have an open waiting list.  Additionally, HousingLink may list some current openings, however their listings are not comprehensive and are often out-of-date.  Wait times vary.

• Additional Resource:  HUD Multifamily Assistance & Section 8 Database (10/31/2024)

USDA Rural Development

Discounted housing for low-income, disabled or seniors.  Tenants pay ~30% of their income towards rent and Section 8 pays the remainder.   Operated by private landlords, with rent subsidies provided by the USDA.  Subsidies are tied to specific properties; each property has its own waiting list. 

Apply at participating properties.  Search for participating properties in the area you want to live using HUD Resource Locator, then call or email each property to ask if they have an open waiting list.   Wait times vary.

Housing Support Settings (Formerly GRH)

Some housing providers have contracts with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to accept Housing Support payments for room and board.  Housing Support is available to people with very low income who have a disabling condition or are 65+.  Housing Support settings include Board and Lodges, Adult Foster Care, Sober Homes and Residential Treatment.  For long-term homeless registered with Coordinated Entry, private apartments may be available.  If ineligible for Waiver services, Housing Support may also pays for additional Supplemental Services where you live.  Housing Support payments go directly to the housing provider.

Apply directly to the housing provider (see providers with the Housing.Support.🔑 label in Understanding Housing Options).  If accepted, the housing provider will help you use the MN Combined Benefits Application to secure GRH funding.  Fast process.

• Local Resource: Hennepin County Board and Lodges Accepting Housing Support (Date unknown)

• Local Resource: Hennepin County Community-Based Housing Support Providers (April 2024)

• Local Resource:  Ramsey County Housing Support Provider Inventory List (March, 2023)

• Local Resource:  Anoka, Washington, Dakota, Scott, Carver County Housing Support Provider List (date unknown)

Coordinated Entry System

A waiting list for housing benefits (including Housing Trust Fund Rental Assistance) that is designed to prioritize those with the greatest need.  Requirements differ based on your location (Hennepin County prioritizes adults under 30% AMI living in a shelter for 14+ days, outdoors or fleeing domestic violence).  Coordinated Entry participants may be matched with:

• Rapid rehousing - Temporary subsidized housing.

• Transitional housing - Up to 2 years of subsidized housing with supportive services (often for specific situations like veterans or youth).

• Permanent supportive housing - Income-based housing with supportive services.

• Long-Term Homeless (LTH) Housing Support -  Income-based rent subsidies and supportive services which follow clients over time and across housing choices (formerly LTH-GRH).

To apply to Coordinated Entry, use the Access Point Map to contact the appropriate agency for your location and situation.