Family Housing Fund is an intermediary organization and does not provide housing, housing services, or direct financial assistance to families or individuals. Instead, we partner with and provide funding to organizations that have affordable housing programs and initiatives that support our mission, values, and strategic plan.
Finding housing or help with a housing problem can be difficult and requires persistence. Below are some organizations who provide direct services to families in need. While their missions align with ours, Family Housing Fund is not affiliated with these organizations and cannot guarantee that they will have the capacity to provide assistance.
For a comprehensive list of services available in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, view the St. Stephen’s Handbook of the Streets.
If you are homeless and looking for a place to stay tonight:
Most shelters and supportive housing services require an assessment through a coordinated entry system. Coordinated entry is not a waiting list, but rather a way to assess your need and find the right services for you. The first step is to call the county where you live. You can find the phone number to call for your county in this list compiled by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. You can also learn more about coordinated entry in Hennepin County, Ramsey County, or the Suburban Metro.
If you are looking for affordable rental housing:
Finding the right apartment or house at the right price is hard. Both private and nonprofit housing providers have few vacancies, and some apartment owners have waiting lists. Calling around and being told no can be frustrating.
Think about having a short-term and a long-term housing plan because you might not find exactly what you need right away. For example, if you call a property owner and are told there are no vacant apartments available, ask if you can put your name on a waiting list for a future vacancy. This won’t solve your immediate housing problem but could provide a better housing option for you in the future.
HousingLink compiles listings for affordable rental properties and provides information regarding monthly rent, location, size of apartment, and whether the owner accepts Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8). Create an account with HousingLink so you can be notified when area housing authorities open their rental assistance waiting lists.
You can also learn how to apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waitlist and other rental assistance:
If you are having trouble paying your rent:
For financial assistance to help pay rent, utility bills, or other financial needs, contact the county that you live in. Even if you think you are ineligible for Emergency Assistance, you should apply because many other types of assistance require proof of denial from your county’s Emergency Assistance before they can help. If you are denied, County Emergency Assistance workers will direct you to other resources for assistance.
If you are having trouble with your landlord:
For legal help or eviction prevention services, contact:
- HOME Line
- Volunteer Lawyers Network
- If you live in Hennepin or Anoka Counties: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, Central Minnesota Legal Services
- If you live in Ramsey, Dakota, Washington, or Scott Counties: Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
If you are looking to buy a home:
Homeownership is a path to building wealth for you and your family. You can find homeownership counseling and financial resources through these organizations:
If you are looking to improve your credit in order to expand your rental and homeownership options:
Improving your credit, whether it is low or simply nonexistent, is a good way to expand your rental housing options or prepare for homeownership. These nonprofit organizations provide education and counseling services to help improve your credit: