HomeHelpMN is offered through Minnesota Housing to help homeowners who have fallen behind in their mortgages or other housing-related expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will provide a grant that does not need to be paid back, that will assist eligible homeowners who are past due with mortgage or related housing costs or guide homeowners to trusted resources and navigate available options. It is anticipated that the need is greater than available assistance, and it is advised that households apply promptly.

Financial assistance can be used for past-due eligible housing expenses, including:

  • Mortgage and/or Contract for Deed payments
  • Property taxes
  • Homeowner and Condominium Association payments, and Cooperative fees or common charges
  • Manufactured and mobile home loans and/or lot rent payments
  • Ground Rent/Lease and Tribal Trust Land Lease payments
  • Homeowner’s insurance including hazard, flood, wind and/or mortgage insurance payments

HOMEHELPMN FUNDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

HomeHelpMN is still accepting applications from homeowners who have past-due expenses for their mortgage, contract for deed, manufactured home loan, property taxes, homeowners insurance, homeowner association fees, lot rent, or Tribal land lease. Learn more about the program, including additional eligibility information.

Apply at HomeHelpMN.org or by calling (800)388-3226.

Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available. The HomeHelpMN dashboard on the website shows current fund availability. When all funds are requested, new applicants may be added to a waitlist.

Minnesota Housing hosted a webinar on the HomeHelpMN program recently. It included information on eligibility requirements and how to apply. Watch the HomeHelpMN webinar.

There is also a downloadable toolkit available with additional materials including posters, social media images and messaging and flyers, with materials in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION HOMEOWNERS AT RISK OF FORECLOSURE OR EVICTION

Applications from homeowners who receive a notice of foreclosure, sheriff’s sale, or lot eviction are prioritized.

  • Homeowners who have not applied for HomeHelpMN should submit an application immediately. They will need to include details about their situation in Section F of the application and upload supporting documentation.
  • Homeowners who previously applied and have since received a foreclosure notice or sheriff’s sale date, should call the Call Center at (800)388-3226 to share this change in status. Supporting documentation of this change, such as foreclosure notice or notice of sheriff’s sale, must be uploaded to the application.

PROGRAM UPDATE REMINDER

Two changes to the program took effect on Friday, August 12, 2022:

  • The cap on assistance was increased to $50,000 per household. The prior limit was $35,000.
  • Past due expenses before January 21, 2020 can now be allowed as long as homeowners have experienced a pandemic-related financial hardship which occurred after January 21, 2020.

Applicants who were denied under the prior criteria but are still in need of assistance and believe they meet eligibility criteria may request their case be reopened by calling (800)388-3226.

APPEALING A DECISION

Homeowners whose application was denied can appeal the decision. Appeals must be made in writing and received within 14 calendar days of the denial decision. If your application was withdrawn (not denied), you may reapply in addition to appealing. Learn more about appealing a decision.

A Call Center is open to assist homeowners who have questions, need additional information, receive a paper application, or for more information about housing counseling or legal services. Assistance is available for homeowners who prefer a language other than English.

HomeHelpMN Call Center:  (800)388-3226 or (651)204-1608

Hours:  8 am – 6 pm Monday – Saturday

Utility expenses are not eligible. Utility assistance is available for eligible households through the Energy Assistance Program or by calling (800)657-3710, press 1, or dial 2-1-1 or (800)543-7709 to locate an Energy Assistance Provider.

Sign-up for e-news to receive program announcements.