Metro HRA Rental Assistance


About Metro HRA

The Metropolitan Council’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, known as Metro HRA, provides housing for more than 7,200 households throughout Anoka, Carver, and suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties in the Twin Cities region.

The Metro HRA’s mission is to provide decent, safe and affordable housing opportunities; to encourage housing choice throughout the region including areas of high opportunity; to foster family stability and promote self-sufficiency for people with low wealth.

Metro HRA earned the highest Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) ranking of High Performer for 2018, Metro HRA’s 15th straight year earning the highest ranking.



Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8)

The Metro HRA is the largest administrator of the Housing Choice Voucher Program in the state of Minnesota. The program partners with private rental market landlords to provide affordable housing opportunities for households in the region. Participants pay a minimum of 30% of their income toward their rent and the HRA pays the remaining to the property owner. The Metro HRA serves nearly 100 communities in Anoka, Carver, and most of suburban Hennepin and Ramsey Counties - see map (PDF).

Waiting list

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program waiting list is closed. See details about the waiting lists.

All of Metro HRA's federally subsidized housing vouchers are in use and helping low-income families pay rent. However, there are other metro-area agencies that administer housing programs and provide assistance to people seeking affordable housing. See HousingLink, Minnesota's primary source for affordable housing-related openings, data, and information.

Other Metro HRA programs

Metro HRA also delivers other housing programs in partnership with state and local agencies that help persons with special needs live as independently as possible.

Metro HRA clients may be eligible for reduced transit fares through the Transit Assistance Program (TAP).

Outreach coordinator & ombudsman

Metro HRA hired Abdiaziz Ibrahim as its first outreach coordinator and program ombudsman, helping people navigate the rental process.

Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher program uses the existing private rental market and provides payments to private landlords on behalf of low- income renters. Participating property owners are guaranteed a stable source of rental income.

Families may rent any type of housing in the Metro HRA service area from participating property owners. Eligible households pay 30% to 40% of their incomes for rent, and Metro HRA pays the remainder, within established rent guidelines. 

Other Metro HRA programs

Metro HRA also delivers other housing programs in partnership with state and local agencies that help persons with special needs live as independently as possible.