Housing and Household Resources
Below is a frequently updated list of resources available for households or housing--families, renters, property owners, and homeowners. If you know of a resource not listed here, please let us know at info@whittieralliance.org.
For information on Whittier Alliance's Housing Issues Committee and opportunities to get involved, visit our Housing Issues page.
For information on Whittier Alliance's Housing Issues Committee and opportunities to get involved, visit our Housing Issues page.
Free Meals for All Families With Children
Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week. Most sites will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with some sites open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for more information.
Help for Older Adults
The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging put together a list of community-based services and resources for older adults and their caregivers to support daily living needs and safety at home. You can find more information here, or if you need additional assistance, you can call the Senior LinkAge Line – a free statewide help line for seniors and caregivers – at 1-800-333-2433.
State Housing Assistance Program
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program has opened to cover housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities or other housing-related costs. This program will help keep folks in their homes and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners in communities across the state.
People in Minnesota interested in applying for assistance can call the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline at 651-291-0211, text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211, or apply online here. The 211 Helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For questions regarding the application process, review COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program frequently asked questions.
Rental Assistance from Hennepin County
Hennepin County continues to offer assistance to residents in need that can be used to cover this month’s rent or past-due rent from previous months. To qualify you must:
Suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until March 15th 2021. This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant's obligation to pay rent. More information can be found on HOME Line's website.
Foreclosure Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling to meet your mortgage obligations, free assistance is available through the Minnesota Homeownership Center. A network of advisors can help you understand how to prevent foreclosure and connect you with resources to help during this challenging time. Learn more and find an advisor here.
Utility Bill Payment Options During COVID-19
Both of our local utility providers -- Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy -- have suspended shutoffs for non-payment until further notice. In addition, both companies are working with customers to provide help where possible. Arrange a payment plan by contacting Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999 and/or CenterPoint Energy at 800-245-2377.
Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week. Most sites will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with some sites open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for more information.
Help for Older Adults
The Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging put together a list of community-based services and resources for older adults and their caregivers to support daily living needs and safety at home. You can find more information here, or if you need additional assistance, you can call the Senior LinkAge Line – a free statewide help line for seniors and caregivers – at 1-800-333-2433.
State Housing Assistance Program
Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program has opened to cover housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities or other housing-related costs. This program will help keep folks in their homes and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners in communities across the state.
People in Minnesota interested in applying for assistance can call the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s 211 Resource Helpline at 651-291-0211, text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211, or apply online here. The 211 Helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For questions regarding the application process, review COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program frequently asked questions.
Rental Assistance from Hennepin County
Hennepin County continues to offer assistance to residents in need that can be used to cover this month’s rent or past-due rent from previous months. To qualify you must:
- Rent anywhere in Hennepin County.
- Have had household income below 50% of the area median income (about $46,550 for a three-person household) before COVID-19.
- Lost income due to COVID-19 that has not been replaced by unemployment insurance or other emergency assistance.
- Can’t afford housing costs this month.
- Not currently receive Section 8 or other rental assistance.
Suspension of evictions and landlord-initiated lease terminations remains in place until March 15th 2021. This suspension will allow households to remain sheltered during the peacetime emergency. The executive order does not relieve a tenant's obligation to pay rent. More information can be found on HOME Line's website.
Foreclosure Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling to meet your mortgage obligations, free assistance is available through the Minnesota Homeownership Center. A network of advisors can help you understand how to prevent foreclosure and connect you with resources to help during this challenging time. Learn more and find an advisor here.
Utility Bill Payment Options During COVID-19
Both of our local utility providers -- Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy -- have suspended shutoffs for non-payment until further notice. In addition, both companies are working with customers to provide help where possible. Arrange a payment plan by contacting Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999 and/or CenterPoint Energy at 800-245-2377.