• Deploy Statewide and Local Affordable Housing Aid 

    MHP provides free technical assistance to communities utilizing Statewide and Local Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA and LAHA).  If your community could benefit from assistance or would like to discuss how you are planning to use your SAHA funds, please complete our brief interest form.

    Free Assistance Interest Form

    MHP can help communities prioritize needs for affordable housing, set up programs or projects, assist in finding feasible sites and developers to build on those sites, and other activities to support committing and expending your SAHA and LAHA funds. Our goal is to understand where communities are in the process, identify any barriers, and provide support that can help move funds toward housing projects or programs. 

    To learn more about MHP’s technical assistance, contact the Community Development team at: CDinfo [at] mhponline.com 

    Statewide and Local Affordable Housing Aid: Background 

    In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature established two affordable housing funding programs: 

    • Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA), funded through state appropriations and distributed to eligible counties, cities, and Tribal Nations across Minnesota. 
    • Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA), funded through a dedicated metropolitan-area sales tax and distributed to eligible local governments in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. 

    Both programs provide flexible funding for eligible activities including emergency rental assistance, assistance to nonprofit affordable housing providers, market rate residential rental property development (SAHA only), affordable housing development and financing, distressed property operations and management, supportive services and emergency shelter.  

    All Aid Recipients must commit Aid Funds to Qualifying Projects by December 31 of the fourth year after receipt of the Aid Funds and expend funds by December 31 of the fifth year.  

    Review Minnesota Housing’s Frequently Asked Questions Page for more information, here.

    Brian Muhs

  • MHP Expands Its Housing Institute to Alabama 

    In the summer of 2026, MHP team members Jill Henricksen and Matthew Prediger traveled to West Alabama to meet with local leaders and organizations preparing to participate in MHP’s first Housing Institute outside Minnesota. 

    The expansion is made possible through MHP’s partnership with Rural Studio at Auburn University. Rural Studio staff introduced MHP to organizations and community leaders across the region and helped lay the groundwork for the new Institute. During the visit, Jill and Matthew also toured Rural Studio’s campus and community-based design projects in Newbern. 

    Established in 2010, MHP’s Housing Institute brings together community stakeholders through customized learning, guided collaboration, and capacity building. Its team-based approach helps participants strengthen partnerships, develop practical housing solutions, and move specific projects forward. 

    Jill and Matthew met with Selma’s mayor and planning director, the CEO of the Selma Housing Authority, and staff at the Selma Center for Nonviolence, which is developing a hub to connect community members with housing resources. They also met with regional housing authorities and nonprofit organizations, including Sewing Seeds of Hope in Marion and Demopolis Area Habitat for Humanity. 

    These partners will participate in four in-person workshops beginning in October in Demopolis. Over the course of the Institute, participants will share knowledge, build regional connections, and work together to advance housing projects that can strengthen their communities for years to come. 

    Learn More About MHP’s Housing Institute

    Photo from Rural Studio’s project “Rosie’s Home” in Newbern, AL

    Brian Muhs

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  • MHP partnerships help Native Nations secure more than $2.5 million for housing

    MHP is celebrating three recent grant awards that will help two Native Nation partners improve existing homes, develop new housing, and better serve community members experiencing homelessness.

    The Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation received two awards totaling more than $1.5 million. MHP provided detailed application and narrative support for both grants. A $985,949 federal award will support rehabilitation of 13 homes, advancing the Nation’s longer-term goal of improving housing conditions across all 40 homes on the Reservation. A separate $526,586 California award will support new housing and services for community members experiencing homelessness.

    The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel received a $1 million federal award for housing rehabilitation. MHP funded a conditions assessment of 50 homes, which gave the Nation the documentation needed to plan the project and strengthen its application. Iipay leaders credited the assessment and MHP’s partnership with helping secure the award.

    Together, these successes show the value of sustained, partnership-based assistance. By working alongside Native Nations to document housing needs, strengthen applications, and advance locally led priorities, MHP helps communities move housing projects from planning toward action.

    Brian Muhs

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  • Rural Housing Preservation: MHP Partners with Swift County HRA in Southwest Minnesota

    Across the Midwest, MHP delivers crucial work to preserve rural rental housing through the USDA Rural Rental Housing Loans Section 515 program (also known as USDA RD 515). Oftentimes, this program is the only pathway for rental opportunities in rural communities. However, a majority of these loans are maturing, or ending, in the next decades, putting these developments on the market to be bought by for-profit organizations. Without MHP’s partnership, hundreds of Americans could be displaced from their homes.  

    In Minnesota, MHP is collaborating with Swift County HRA to acquire a 24-unit USDA RD 515 complex located in Appleton, Minnesota known as Diamond Village. This partnership sprung from MHP’s Housing Institute 10 in Southwest Minnesota, which Swift County HRA participates in.  

    Currently, Diamond Village is owned by a for-profit entity that is divesting its portfolio. It needs substantial rehabilitation and repairs that the current owners cannot take on. If the HRA does not acquire the property, it will be at risk of disrepair and converting into market-rate units.  

    With the assistance of MHP, under the terms of a purchase agreement currently under negotiation, Swift County HRA intends to acquire the property for one dollar and assume the existing USDA RD 515 mortgage. This mortgage transfer will allow the HRA to preserve the 22 rental assistance units tied to the loan. The HRA plans to supplement this with an application for the remaining two rental assistance units to ensure further affordability for current and future tenants. 

    The acquisition will be followed by a significant rehabilitation effort. To finance the renovation, MHP assisted the HRA in preparing funding applications to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines’ Affordable Housing Program and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, with assistance from legal counsel Angela Christy and Blumenthals Architecture to complete all required documentation. These funds will improve the property’s amenities and livability for tenants, such as community and office spaces. 

    As part of the funding commitments, the HRA remains dedicated to serving low-income households, ensuring community members will stay safe in their homes for another 30 years. 

    Brian Muhs

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  • National Partnership Spotlight: Creating a Path Forward for New Homes in Marianna, Florida

    This spring, MHP returned to Marianna, Florida to support Chipola Habitat for Humanity as it moves from vision to implementation on a new 9-acre housing development.

    Ribbon-cutting at a habitat for humanity house

    Through this Rural Capacity Building engagement, MHP worked alongside local leaders, including the city manager, county administrator, potential development partners, and a local engineering firm, to help build the partnerships and coordination needed to move the project forward. MHP also facilitated a board training and led a discussion about the development process, helping the organization prepare for the next phase of work.

    Earlier in the project, MHP supported a master planning process led by a Black-owned architecture firm in Tallahassee. The resulting plan envisions 59 new homes with a mix of price points, incomes, ownership opportunities, and rental homes.

    Just as importantly, local leaders see the development as an opportunity to strengthen connections across the community, creating a bridge between neighboring Black and white neighborhoods in Marianna.

    By the end of the visit, Chipola Habitat for Humanity had more than a plan on paper. The organization left with stronger local partnerships, a clearer path through the development process, and the tools needed to move this vision toward reality.

    As one local leader reflected, “The engine runs based on partnership.” Another shared:

    “It’s always a privilege to work with a partner like MHP. Because of your work across the country, there are people and resources we know now that we never would have connected with otherwise.”

    Chipola Area Habitat for Humanity site rendering

    Jenny Jones

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  • National Partnership Spotlight: Expanding Aging-in-Place Repairs in North Carolina

    Coworkers in an office with one coworker holding phone in a selfie style

    For many older adults, staying in the home they already have is the key to stability, health, and independence. But small repair needs can become major barriers — especially in rural communities where repair services and resources are harder to access.

    MHP is working alongside Hope Renovations, a North Carolina nonprofit that helps older adults remain safely in their homes through critical repairs and accessibility improvements. Their aging-in-place work focuses on low-cost, high-impact repairs that make homes safer while preserving existing housing that remains affordable to the community.

    Through MHP’s support, Hope Renovations is strengthening its program capacity and expanding its reach into surrounding rural areas, allowing the organization to serve more homeowners and complete more repair projects. This work helps prevent displacement, protects existing housing, and ensures that older adults can continue living in the communities they call home.

    Hope Renovations also pairs repair projects with hands-on construction training that expands opportunities in the skilled trades for people who have been underrepresented in the field. This model both increases the organization’s repair capacity and helps build the workforce needed to support housing stability in the future.

    By combining housing preservation, workforce development, and expanded geographic reach, this partnership is helping more households stay safe in their homes while strengthening communities across the region.

    Jenny Jones

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  • How to Move a Strategic Plan from Vision to Coordinated Action

    How to Move a Strategic Plan from Vision to Coordinated Action

    Jenny Jones

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  • PRICE Award: DREAM Initiative

    Strengthening Manufactured Housing in MN, ND, SD, and WI

    The Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) is a major federal investment supporting manufactured housing communities (also known as “mobile homes”). MHP, in partnership with CoNorth, received a $20.3M award to help preserve homes, upgrade infrastructure, and expand resident ownership.

    Our DREAM Initiative focuses on helping communities improve existing homes, upgrade essential infrastructure, and create pathways to resident ownership.

    All PRICE RFPs are now closed, please stay tuned for updates in the near future.

    Interested in future PRICE funding rounds? Share your interest here!

    Submit an Interest Form

    Who Should Apply

    PRICE–DREAM funding is available to:

    • Native Nations in MN, ND, SD, WI
    • Resident-Owned Communities (ROCs) in MN & WI

    Scroll for full eligibility details.

    DREAM Funding Opportunities

    PHASE I: DREAM Tribal Rehabilitation – application period has closed.

    For Native Nations to rehabilitate owner-occupied manufactured homes or community-owned manufactured rental units. Eligible work includes repairs to post-1976 homes, replacement of aging units, and infrastructure upgrades supporting manufactured housing.

    Geographic Scope

    MN, ND, SD, WI

    Full RFP HERE.

    Key Dates

    • Info Session: December 12, 2025 at 9 AM
    • Technical Assistance Sessions: December 15-19, 2025
    • Deadline for Questions: March 26, 2026 at 4 PM
    • Proposals Due: March 31, 2026 at 4 pm.
    • Contracts are anticipated in May/June 2026

    PHASE II
    DREAM Infrastructure (ROCs)

    For Resident-Owned Communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin to repair or replace essential infrastructure. One ROC will also be selected for an innovative new community project.

    DREAM Acquisition (New ROCs)

    For manufactured home communities seeking acquisition support to become Resident-Owned Communities.

    Phase II Geographic Scope

    MN & WI

    Key Dates – RFP released January 9, 2026

    RFP responses will be reviewed and selected on a rolling basis starting January 9th until all funds are allocated.

    Before You Apply

    PRICE follows Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) requirements. All funded activities must meet a national objective, primarily:

    Benefit to low- and moderate-income households

    • For infrastructure: at least 51% of residents must be low/moderate income per census data
    • For home rehab: 100% of households must be at or below 80% AMI

    Other requirements

    • PRICE is a reimbursement grant; draws can be submitted frequently
    • Environmental reviews are required and may take 2–6 months, depending on activity

    Submission List

    A simplified checklist based on the RFP:

    • Completed application form
    • Project description & budget
    • Tribal Council documentation (if applicable)
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Staff resumes or job descriptions
    • Organizational & financial attachments

    Full list appears in the RFP. NOTE: Applicants can submit only what is readily available.

    How to Apply

    Applications will be submitted through MHP’s portal.

    Performance Reports

    October 1, 2024 thru September 30, 2025

    PRICE Action Plan

    Minnesota Housing Partnership FY23/24 PRICE Action Plan

    Citizen Complaint Process

    The PRICE Program encourages residents, applicants, and other interested parties to submit questions, concerns, or complaints regarding program activities. Written complaints may be submitted to MHP through the complaint form available on the PRICE Program webpage or through the contact information provided. MHP will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within five (5) business days and will provide a written response within fifteen (15) business days, whenever practicable. If additional time is required to investigate or resolve the matter, MHP will notify the complainant and provide an estimated timeframe for resolution. All complaints will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with applicable HUD requirements and MHP policies.

    Contact

    Leah Hall, Director of Community Development
    leah.hall [@] mhponline.org

    Accessibility

    MHP is an equal opportunity provider.

    US HUD logo

    Jenny Jones

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  • Housing Preservation Success: Blueprints and Stories

    Housing Preservation Success: Blueprints and Stories

    November 5 | 3:00 – 4:30 pm | California

    MHP’s very own Leah Hall will be presenting at HAC’s Build Rural Conference. The workshop, Housing Preservation Success: Blueprints and Stories, will cover strategies for rural affordable rental housing preservation.

    What does it take for an organization to become a force in affordable housing preservation?   Four organizations that have successfully included rural affordable rental housing preservation as a priority will share their stories. Presenters will share what motivated their organization to take on preservation work, describe example preservation deals, and describe how preservation fits into their broader organizational strategy moving forward. If you are considering making housing preservation part of your affordable housing toolkit, this session will provide insight from organizations who are actively prioritizing preservation of affordable housing.

    Brian Muhs

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  • Lower Brule Sioux Nation: Building a Roadmap for the Future

    MHP staff are currently providing technical assistance to the Lower Brule Sioux Nation in South Dakota. The MHP team is working collaboratively with the Nation’s Council and staff members to work toward: housing preservation and creation, infrastructure improvement, strengthening local economic systems, and increasing access to mental health services. In partnership with Lowe Brule Sioux, MHP staff are currently designing a master plan that will act as a road map to guide the team and the community as they work towards accomplishing short and long-team goals. In September, the team led a series of engagement activities aspart of the community-led master planning process, facilitating four focus groups, as well as one large community-wide event. The focus groups reached a diverse set of voices—youth, elders, benefit recipients, and tribal staff. The team also facilitated a large community event; 117 adults attended, many were families that also brought their children to participate. So far the team is well on its way to completing this foundational community planning step that will shape a 15-year master plan for the Tribe. The feedback MHP received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and staff are excited to build on this momentum as the team synthesizes the data collected and continues moving the vision forward!

    Brian Muhs

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