Minneapolis Opens First Housing Voucher Waitlist Since 2019, and It Closes Today
Struggling to pay rent in Minneapolis? A new state-funded program could help, but the window to apply is almost shut.
The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) opened its waitlist on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and it stays open through today, Oct. 15.
What Is Bring It Home?
Bring It Home is a state rental assistance program modeled on the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program.
It's funded by state appropriations and a new metro sales tax for housing, according to Minnesota Housing.
Why This Is a Big Deal
- It's the first time since 2019 that MPHA has opened a public housing voucher waitlist.
- More than 500 people applied on day one, MPHA reported.
- MPHA Executive Director Abdi Warsame said limited funding had kept the agency from opening the list sooner.
How the Vouchers Work
Households generally pay about 30% of their income toward rent. The voucher covers the remaining eligible costs.
Minnesota Housing's guidance describes the same structure: assistance equals the gap between 30% of household income and the rent charged.
Who Gets Priority?
Priority goes to households with children under 18 and incomes at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI).
State rules allow wider eligibility, up to 50% of AMI, but the 30% group with kids moves to the front.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Live in Minnesota
- Pay more than 30% of their household income toward rent
- Not currently receive federal Section 8 assistance
Vouchers can only be used in Minneapolis.
What About the Money?
MPHA received a two-year, $21 million state grant to run the program.
The agency estimates that could support the equivalent of 600 to 800 vouchers.
How Many Vouchers Are Left?
MPHA offered vouchers first to households already on federal waiting lists.
After that, it estimates funding remains for about 300 to 350 new tenant-based vouchers.
Applying Is Not a Guarantee
Applicants are entering a lottery for a spot on the waitlist, not a voucher itself.
MPHA estimates as many as 1,500 households could be added to the list.
Key Dates
- Today, Oct. 15: Waitlist closes
- By Nov. 1: Selected applicants are notified through MPHA's RentCafe portal
Why Officials Say It Matters
Warsame pointed to rising living costs and called for more funding from state, county, city and federal governments.
He also argued that stable housing is the top predictor of a child graduating high school. That is his claim as reported by KSTP, and the story doesn't cite a study for it.
Residents like Stephanie Hopson describe the search for stable housing as exhausting.
Oversight
Minnesota Housing's guidance requires administrators to report on waitlists, vouchers issued and participant data, with quarterly reporting.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are handled through the MPHA portal at https://portal.mphaonline.org/.
-
Looking for housing support? See if you qualify for Section 8 and local rental assistance. Check eligibility →
