The Metropolitan Council’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Metro HRA, will open its waiting list for federal rent assistance for the first time since 2007.
Metro HRA will accept online applications ONLY from Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8 a.m. through noon on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.
Metro HRA is the state’s largest administrator of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. Metro HRA administers the federal voucher program on behalf of more than 100 communities in Anoka, Carver, and most of suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
“The last time we opened the waiting list was in 2007,” said HRA Manager Terri Smith. “At the time, we received 9,000 applications. Given social media and the ability to apply electronically this time, we anticipate more than 60,000 applications. We highly recommend that people who are interested pay very close attention to the requirement to apply online during the established time period.”
Alternate languages
Additional information about this availability has been translated into other languages for individuals to reference. Please note that the application process is presented in English.
To qualify and apply
Section 8 provides assistance to households with very low incomes. To qualify, annual gross household income may not exceed:
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$29,050 for 1 person
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$33,200 for 2 people
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$37,350 for 3 people
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$41,450 for 4 people
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$44,800 for 5 people
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$48,100 for 6 people
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$51,400 for 7 people
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$54,750 for 8 people
Apply online only
Eligible applicants must visit www.waitlistcheck.com/MN2707 to apply online, 24 hours a day during the designated time period. Applicants may use any computer, tablet, or smartphone with Internet access, including free computers at public libraries.
Smith says the HRA will randomly select and place 2,000 households on the waiting list. Council policy requires that 95 percent of waiting list placements be households that live, work, or attend school full-time in the seven-county metro area.
About the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Under the program, participants find rental units on the open market, to rent from landlords also willing to participate in the program. The tenant pays approximately 30 percent of their income towards rent. Metro HRA pays the remainder directly to the landlord, within established rent guidelines.
All rental units must pass a standard inspection to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
“The Section 8 program is the most efficient way to provide affordable housing to households living on low incomes,” said Smith. “Today, we provide housing to more than 6,500 households, helping to provide the foundation and stability that families need to be successful.”
More information
More about the Section 8 housing program is available on the Council’s website.
The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. It runs the regional bus and light rail system and Northstar Commuter rail. The Council collects and treats wastewater, manages regional water resources, plans regional parks, and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
Contact: Bonnie Kollodge, [email protected]