HRA Resources
Emergency Housing Resources
If you or your family need help with housing stability, the following resources are available.
Rental
- Volunteer Enlisted to Assist People, or VEAP, offers rental assistance, if available, and food support at blm.mn/VEAPhelp.
- Hennepin County emergency assistance is available at blm.mn/emergencyassistance.
Mortgage
- For foreclosure prevention resources and counseling, look for a service provider through the Minnesota Homeownership Center’s provider search tool at hocmn.org/find-an-advisor.
Legal resources
- The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office offers housing-related resources at ag.state.mn.us/consumer/housing.
- HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education and advocacy services so tenants throughout Minnesota can address rental housing issues. The tenant hotline is 612-728-5767. More information is available at homelinemn.org.
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is governed by a seven-member board appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The HRA mission is helps provide affordable housing opportunities for those who are not adequately served by the marketplace, coordinates the City's efforts to preserve existing neighborhoods and promotes development and redevelopment that enhances Bloomington.
Resources and information are available along the housing continuum including, housing stability, homeownership pathways, housing preservation and supportive services.
Visit Rent Help Hennepin to get assistance with past due rent payments.
CLUES Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible Bloomington renters and homeowners. CLUES staff will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households. Visit clues.org for more information or to connect with a housing assistance program team member
United Way 2-1-1 provides free and confidential health and human services information for people in Minnesota. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect you with the resources and information you need. Visit 211unitedway.org
Program referrals may include:
- Energy and Utility Assistance
- Eviction Prevention
- Home Rehabilitation & Repair
- Mortgage Assistance
- Senior Independent Living Services (SAIL)
- Weatherization
The Energy Assistance Program helps income-qualified households pay for home heating and water. EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Need help paying your energy bill in winter? Get help and avoid utility disconnections. Grants are based on household size and income, and on utility costs. Applicants can receive up to $2,000 per household for energy bills. Grants are paid to your Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy accounts. Visit blm.mn/energyassistance
CAP-HC is a state and federally certified Community Action agency that serves the residents of Hennepin County. CAP-HC has an array of community-centered programs and services, including Energy Assistance, Water Assistance, Financial Literacy, Vehicle Repair Program, Rental Assistance, and Homebuyer Services. The agency develops partnerships to address poverty while creating avenues of self-sufficiency for individuals and families. Visit caphennepin.org
HOME Line
HOME Line provides free and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems. We work to improve public and private policies relating to rental housing by involving affected tenants in the process. Visit www.homeline.org for more information.
Housing Justice Center
Housing Justice Center is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose primary mission is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. Visit www.hjcmn.org for more information.
HousingLink's mission is connecting people to affordable rental homes, increasing choice and access for all.
HousingLink provides vacancy information as well as training and support to housing service agencies. HousingLink has become Minnesota's primary source for affordable housing-related openings, data, information and resources. Visit housinglink.org for more information.
Bridging’s mission is to empower people to thrive in their homes by providing quality furniture and household goods for those pursuing housing stability.
Basic home essential package of donated goods are provided by Bridging. Typical items include; beds and linens, upholstered furniture, dressers, kitchen and dining essentials, lamps, small appliances – all critical items that make a “house a home”. Providing such items is a huge cost savings for families and individuals during their quest for stable housing. More than that, it is a step towards transforming a living space into a stable home. Bridging is relied on to provide a crucial element: quality furniture and housewares that support stability and success. Visit Bridging.org for more information.
Oasis for Youth's mission is the trusted resource committed to elevating youth in their own community.
Oasis for Youth provide resources and outreach targeted toward youth who live, work or attend school in Bloomington, Richfield and Edina, however, no youth in need are turned away. Oasis for Youth meets the needs of youth through individualized case management, connections to resources, improved access to services and supports, and assistance with basic needs. Visit OasisforYouth.org for more information.
VEAP
VEAP's mission is Together we create pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities through access to healthy food, housing stability, and supportive services.
VEAP provides access to high quality, healthy, and fresh foods for individuals, families, children, and seniors experiencing hunger or food insecurity. VEAP’s Social Services Department supports members of our community in accessing resources to alleviate short-term emergency needs and to build greater stability in their lives. Case managers and social workers work collaboratively with families to address both immediate and longer-term areas of need. Visit VEAP.org for more information or to connect with a VEAP team member
Bridge to Benefits
Bridge to Benefits is a project by Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs. This tool is easy, free, and confidential. Visit BridgeforBenefits.org for more information.
Disability HUB MN
Disability Hub MN is a free statewide resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system and plan for your future. Disability Hub MN team members know the ins and outs of community resources and government programs, and has years of experience helping people fit them together. Visit disabilityhubmn.org or call 1-866-333-2466
MinnesotaHelp.info
The resource database contains information on the community services individuals and communities need to sustain and improve their daily lives--health care and childcare, job training, education and recreation, retirement, disability and social service information. This directory contains information on nonprofit and public health and human service programs and some for-profit programs such as housing. Visit MinnesotaHelp.info or call
- Senior LinkAge Line 1-800-333-2433
- Disability Linkage Line 1-866-333-2466
- Veterans Linkage Line 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838)
MNBenefits.org
Apply for economic support including food, cash, emergency and child assistance, and housing support. Visit MNBenefits.org
MNsure.org
Information and application for health care. Visit MNsure.org
SeniorHousingInc.org is a comprehensive publication for seniors in the areas of housing, senior living, supportive services, medical care, financial assistance and more.
Senior Community Services
Senior Community Services has a dedicated staff and volunteers to offer affordable services to Minnesotans age 60+, regardless of income. This helps them remain in the homes and communities they love. Services offered include HOME Program, Senior Outreach, Caregiver Services and Senior Centers. Visit seniorcommunity.org or call 952-541-1019 to learn more.
Get shelter and other resources:
- Family shelter: 612-348-9410
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: 1 - 11 p.m.
- After hours: Call 211 (mobile: 651-291-0211) and ask for the after-hours shelter team
- Shelter for single adults: 612-248-2350
- Other supports: 612-348-4111
Hennepin County residents who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness can get troubleshooting help, assessment and housing navigation supports through the Streets to Housing program.
Streets to Housing works with single adults, youth, and families who are living in outside, in their vehicles, or other places unsheltered and not meant for human habitation.
The Streets to Housing team provides trauma-informed, housing-focused services that reduce barriers and identify safe, appropriate alternatives to living outside, including emergency shelter and permanent housing. Visit www.hennepin.us or email streets.to.housing@hennepin.us
Get assessed for housing supports
Coordinated Entry homeless assistance | Hennepin County
The HRA is partnering with Project for Pride in Living (PPL) to offer educational opportunities about the differences between renting and homeownership throughout the year. Educational sessions are available each month in English, Somali, and Spanish.
For more information visit https://www.blm.mn/journey
Minnesota Housing is a state agency that provides first mortgage programs and down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers, non first-time homebuyers and those looking to refinance. For more information about these programs, please visit mnhousing.gov or call 651-296-8215.
Minnesota Homeownership Center is a U.S Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Intermediary providing homebuyer education counseling services via a network of homeownership advisors. The Minnesota Homeownership Center offers free advisor services and other resources to help you buy a home, and one-on-one help to prevent foreclosure when times are tough. Visit hocmn.org or call 651-659-9336
The HRA administers the Rental Homes for Future Homebuyers program that provides a five-year track for qualified households to rent a home, owned by the HRA, and escrow a portion of their rent to be used as a down payment in the future purchase of a home. Visit blm.mn/rentalhomes to learn more and apply.
Through partnership with the City of Bloomington, Homes Within Reach - West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) purchases and rehabilitates at least two houses, per year, in Bloomington to create and preserve affordable homeownership opportunities for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Since 2016, the city has provided $850,000 for the purchase, rehabilitation, and sell of 11 Bloomington homes. The land trust program is a perpetually affordable housing program, meaning that the improvements, house, is owned but the land is held in the organization trust and leased to the homeowner on a 99-year lease that renews. In addition to the 99-year lease, when a homeowner sells the property a formula for equity sharing is applied to ensure affordability to the next eligible household. Visit homeswithinreach.org.
Through partnership with the City of Bloomington, Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities constructs, rehabilitates and/or finances homes to provide long term affordable homeownership opportunities to qualified low-to moderate-income households. Since 1997, the city has partnered for the success of 18 first-time homebuyers in Bloomington. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity provide long-term affordable homeownership for Twin Cities area families while connecting them to the community through neighborhood revitalization projects. Visit tchabitat.org to learn more about long-term affordable homeownership opportunities.
The purpose of the Home Improvement Loan program is to provide Bloomington owner-occupied households the ability to access funds to maintain, repair and improve their homes. Loans are available in amounts up to $40,000 for eligible home repairs that address health or safety requirements including electrical, heating, plumbing, energy efficiency and exterior improvements.
There are no monthly payments, and the loan will accrue interest at an annual rate of two percent for the first 10 years of the 30-year loan term. Homeowners do not have to repay the loan until they sell, transfer title, or the property is no longer their principal place of residence. Program information and electronic application is available online at blm.mn/loans.
Fix Up is MN Housing's statewide home improvement loan program for eligible homeowners, available through participating lenders.
The Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP) provides deferred loan financing to eligible low-income homeowners statewide who are unable to secure home improvement financing in the private sector. Funds may be used for basic home improvements that directly affect the home’s safety, habitability, or energy efficiency.
The Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program (ELP) assists homeowners needing emergency assistance or essential accessibility improvements.
Learn more about all programs on the Minnesota Housing website: Home Improvement Programs
Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program offers home repairs, weatherization assistance, energy-efficiency upgrades, resources for aging homeowners, and more in the seven-county metro area.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness program offers options to help homeowners address critical tree care needs, including trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer.
Learn more online at home.tchabitat.org/home-repair
The City partners with Senior Community Services to provide housekeeping, handyperson tasks, lawn mowing and snow removal, and help with personal technology for Bloomington residents aged 60 or older. For more information, call 952-746-4046, email home@seniorcommunity.org or visit seniorcommunity.org/home.
Through the Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency, CEE offers low interest home energy loans for Minnesota homeowners to make energy improvements in their homes. Loan funds are subject to availability. Visit mncee.org for more information.
Energy improvements may include:
- Furnace
- Central A/C
- Water heater
- Window replacement
- Light fixtures
- Insulation
Home Energy Squad
The city partners with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to help residents save energy and money on utility bills through Home Energy Squad Enhanced visits. The CEE's team of trusted energy consultants will visit homes in Bloomington, evaluate energy savings opportunities, and install energy-efficient materials. The Home Energy Squad Enhanced visit also qualifies homeowners for CEE's 2.99% Energy Financing. The city buys down the cost of the visit to $50 for residents. Visit mncee.org/programs for more information.
Sustainable Resources Center, Inc. is a grant-funded Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that helps income-qualified residents of Hennepin County live in safer, healthier homes through lead risk identification, lead hazard remediation, and weatherization. Visit src-mn.org
Services may include:
- Installing insulation
- Reducing air leaks
- Performing heating tune-ups and modifications
- Replacing appliances for energy efficiency and safety
- Lead hazard control grants
- Community health screenings and education
- Home lead assessments
Rebuilding Together Minnesota works year-round to sustain healthy neighborhoods and ensure that people in need can live independently and safely in their homes through the following programs:
- Home Repair - The Home Repair program provides volunteer-delivered safe and healthy housing repairs including interior improvements (i.e. installing flooring, patching and painting), siding, windows, and landscaping. It also provides sub-contractor delivered repair or replacement of essential systems, such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and roofs that are critical to healthy, livable homes.
- Safe at Home - The Safe at Home program provides home safety and fall prevention modifications and ramps for older adults or those living with a disability so they can continue to live safely and independently in their own homes.
Visit rtmn.org to learn more about eligibility requirements or to apply.
Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities is the cornerstone of this nation's federal housing policy. The Fair Housing laws cover virtually all housing in the United States.
The Bloomington City Council has adopted a Fair Housing Policy at their August 6, 2018 meeting. Visit blm.mn/fairhousing for more information about the policy and where to file complaints, if necessary.
Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis for Bloomington
The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) engaged Maxfield Research and Consulting to conduct a Comprehensive Housing Needs Analysis. Completed in April 2017 and revised in May of 2018, the study projects the projects housing demand from 2017 to 2030 and provides recommendations on the amount and type of housing for Bloomington that could be built to satisfy housing needs from 2017 to 2025.
HRA Annual Reports
The HRA Annual Report compiles demographic data and reports on the various efforts that HRA undertook in that year. The report has three major components:
- Who Lives in Bloomington - relates to demographics and issues
- Programs - reviews HRA's most prominent housing programs
- Development - reviews recent approved developments
State of Homelessness Study
The primary goal of this study is to gain an understanding of existing gaps and possible duplications of service in the overall social safety net, as well as the respective goals of Bloomington stakeholders relative to the community's desire to develop a comprehensive response to homelessness.
Itasca Project
An employer-led civic alliance focused on building a thriving economy and expanding prosperity for all. Latest report on innovative practices to increase production and lower the cost of housing in the region.
MN Governor's Housing Task Force - 2018
The Task Force identified six principles of a resilient housing system which informed the members' evaluation of all input and potential recommendations. The final report includes key research and findings that drive the task force's goals and recommendations to address Minnesota's housing challenges.
Read the report "More Places to Call Home: Investing in Minnesota's Future"
Minnesota Common Interest Community/Homeowners Association Ombudsperson Resource
The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Common Interest Community/Homeowners Association Ombudsperson Office provides free education and assistance to residents and associations in condominiums, townhomes, and homeowner associations. The office offers plain-language information about Minnesota law and governing documents and helps parties explore informal options for resolving disputes.
Learn more and access these resources at: Minnesota CIC/HOA Ombudsperson Office
The City of Bloomington’s Planning Division, in collaboration with the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), initiated the Homeowners Association (HOA or HOAs) Study in response to a growing number of inquiries regarding the management and operations of HOAs within the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if my HOA is not enforcing its own rules?
HOAs are responsible for enforcing the rules and covenants outlined in their governing documents. If enforcement seems inconsistent, residents should contact the board in writing to raise their concerns. If the board is unresponsive, organizing with other homeowners or seeking mediation may be necessary.
Why do HOAs have stricter rules than City Code?
HOAs often set standards that go beyond City regulations in order to maintain the appearance, consistency, and property values of their communities. While these rules must not violate or be in conflict with City, State, or Federal law, they can be more restrictive than City Code.
How can a homeowner contact their HOA if they do not know who is in charge?
If a homeowner is unsure who manages their HOA, there are several ways to find contact information. Property records, closing documents, or past correspondence from the HOA may include board or management details. In many cases, the HOA is registered as a nonprofit corporation with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State, where contact information may be publicly available, typically including a registered agent. Additionally, neighbors, especially longer-term residents, can often provide insights or contact information for the board or property management company.
In cases where a homeowner is unable to locate contact information on their own, they may reach out to the City of Bloomington HRA at (952) 563-8937 or HRA@bloomingtonmn.gov for assistance. While the City does not oversee HOA operations, some basic contact information was gathered as part of this study and may be available for reference. This can serve as a helpful starting point for residents struggling to connect with their association.
Who is responsible for managing trees in HOA communities?
Trees located in HOA-managed common areas are the responsibility of the association. During events like Emerald Ash Borer outbreaks, HOAs may seek guidance from the City Forester on how to manage tree removal or treatment.
Can HOAs rent public space for meetings?
Yes. Some HOA boards rent space through the Parks & Recreation Department for annual meetings or other gatherings. Availability and fees vary by facility.
What happens when there is tension between renters and owners in an HOA?
Tension between renters and owner-occupants is a common challenge in some HOA communities, especially those with a growing number of rental units. Property owners may express concern that an increase in rentals could impact property values, community involvement, or maintenance standards, while renters may feel excluded from decision-making or targeted by association policies. To address this, many associations implement policies designed to maintain a healthy balance of units by tenure. These may include rental caps (limiting the percentage of units that may be rented at any given time), minimum lease durations to discourage short-term rentals, and occupancy guidelines to ensure consistent community standards. However, policy alone is not enough. Associations must prioritize clear communication, fair enforcement, and inclusive community-building efforts to reduce misunderstandings and foster mutual respect among all residents—whether they own or rent.
Transparent rulemaking, accessible meeting participation, and equitable treatment of renters and owners alike are essential to maintaining a cohesive and cooperative HOA environment.
Note: HOAs are still subject to federal and state fair housing laws, meaning they cannot discriminate against renters or owners based on protected characteristics such as race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or other protected classes. All policies and actions taken by the association must comply with these legal requirements.
Our HOA is increasing dues, but there is no clear plan for future repairs. What can we do?
HOA dues should be tied to a long-term maintenance plan or a reserve study that outlines upcoming repair needs. If such a plan is not in place, homeowners can engage the board to conduct one and better communicate financial priorities before approving dues increases.
Additional Resources:
Conflict Resolution Center of Minnesota: In cases where disputes escalate, residents and boards may benefit from professional support. The Conflict Resolution Center of Minnesota (CRC) offers mediation services and conflict coaching to help individuals and groups resolve disagreements constructively. These services can be especially helpful when addressing interpersonal tensions or misunderstandings within an HOA, and they provide a neutral space for residents to find common ground. More information about these services is available at crcminnesota.org. Utilizing community mediation can prevent long-term division, promote collaboration, and create a more positive living environment for everyone involved.
- During the 2025 legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers addressed increasing concerns related to the governance and accountability of Common Interest Communities (CICs), such as homeowners associations (HOAs). As part of the Final Commerce Finance Bill (SS SF 4), the legislature passed provisions to establish a Common Interest Communities Ombudsperson within the Department of Commerce. This newly created role will provide homeowners, boards, and property managers with education, guidance, and resources regarding HOA-related rights and responsibilities. The Ombudsperson will also serve as a neutral party to help resolve disputes, clarify obligations under the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA), and maintain public reports on trends and issues arising within these communities.