The need for safe and affordable housing is very evident, not only in Minnesota as a whole, but in St. Louis County as well. Housing is considered affordable if it consumes 30% or less of a household’s gross income. Generally when households spend more than 30% of their income to meet housing costs, they do not have enough income to meet other basic needs or weather financial setbacks.

According to a study done by the Minnesota Housing Partnership and Out of Reach, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two–bedroom apartment in Minnesota is $755 (for 2016). A minimum wage earner must work 79 hours per week, 52 weeks a year in order to afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment.**

Minnesota Housing Partnership reported in their 2017 County Housing Profile that there are 21,930 St. Louis County families are cost burdered.

· 80% of families who rent in St. Louis County with incomes of $20,000 or less are paying more than 30% of their income to meet their housing needs.

· 62% of renting families who rent in St. Louis County with incomes of $20,000 to $34,999 are paying more than 30% of their income to meet their housing need.

The report also stated that the supply of places to rent is limited and often in poor condition. There are now 37 rental units affordable and available for every 100 extremely low-income renters in St. Louis County. The county ranks 71 out of the state’s 87 counties for the most units affordable and available to this income group.”

Habitat for Humanity seeks to serve families who otherwise would not be able to own their own home, that fall within 30% to 60% of the area’s median family income and have a minimum income of about $24,000.

North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity is one part of a great network of non-profit and government organizations that continues to work on the need for affordable housing. By partnering with you, we are making a difference in many people’s lives and getting closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

http://mhponline.org/images/stories/images/research/coprofs/2016/Saint-Louis.pdf

http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/oor/files/reports/state/OOR_2016_MN.pdf

http://www.homesforallmn.org/

Governor’s Task Force on Housing Releases Action Plan to Connect All Minnesotans with Good, Affordable Homes

The Governor’s Task Force on Housing, a nonpartisan group of housing advocates and experts from across Minnesota created by executive order last December, has reviewed existing housing strategies that serve Minnesotans well and identified gaps in the system. Their final report recommends 30 action steps aimed at improving access to quality, affordable housing for Minnesotans and building a more vibrant, inclusive economic future for all Minnesotans. These are solutions that will help alleviate Minnesota’s housing challenges and connect more families with great places to live.  To learn more, click here.  (https://www.mnhousingtaskforce.com/)