Legislative leaders of the House Housing Policy and Finance Division joined housing advocates and stakeholders this week in calling for $100 million in rental assistance to address the struggles faced by renters, landlords, and small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Michael Howard (DFL – Richfield), vice chair of the House Housing Policy and Finance Division talked about the urgency needed to address the situation…

Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL – St. Paul) chair of the House Housing Policy and Finance Division stated that legislators want to provide assistance to keep those being affected housed and safe…

Governor Walz issued an executive order that halts evictions, but that order does not cancel rent. With more than 250,000 Minnesotans facing unemployment, renters and housing providers are concerned about their financial future. During the virtual press conference, legislators and housing experts discussed the challenges facing Minnesotans and the need for direct rental assistance.  With unprecedented levels of unemployment as a result of the measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, advocates are worried the actions taken by the state won’t be enough to ensure Minnesotans remain physically and financially healthy, citing the need for more Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) funds.

Utilizing those funds for rental assistance, according to advocates, will allow the legislature to use existing providers that serve all 87 counties, delivering needed housing assistance to Minnesotans and landlords efficiently and quickly.