• 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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  • 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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  • MHP’s 2024 Dashboard of Impact

    Click to open PDF of MHP’s progress on goals for the first year of our Strategic Plan.

    Jenny Jones

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  • A Look Into the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel 

    In March 2024, MHP began working with the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel (INSY), part of the Kumeyaay people who have lived in present-day San Diego and Imperial Counties for over 12,000 years. The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel Reservation was founded in 1893 and is located in northeastern San Diego County near Santa Ysabel and Julian. 

    The Santa Ysabel Indian Reservation spans elevations from 3,200 to 5,700 feet and covers a total land area of 15,546 acres (23.4 square miles). However, only 810 acres—less than 6%—are developed. The limited development is primarily due to the rugged and steep terrain, which poses challenges for construction. Additionally, water is not readily available on the reservation. Community members often must pump and transport water from community wells. 

    The Tribal enrollment totals just over 1,000 individuals, with approximately 211 people residing on the reservation across about 152 households. This remote area lacks a significant economy, leading to considerable economic challenges for the community. The per capita income is $26,407, while the median income stands at $45,000, representing a decrease of 66% compared to the national average. Additionally, around 80% of households are economically disadvantaged, often facing obstacles due to unreliable technology and transportation. 

    The housing stock on the reservation is mainly composed of manufactured homes due to terrain limitations. The Housing Department, managed by one employee under the tribal administrator and council, oversees about 115 units with under $135,000 in federal assistance from the Indian Housing Block Grant. Many homes need repairs or replacement due to limited maintenance funds.  

    Despite these challenges, INSY staff are motivated partners with capacity-building efforts. They sought technical assistance from MHP in the areas of Organizational Development, Housing Development, and Physical Planning. MHP and the INSY worked with a contractor to conduct a Physical Conditions Needs Assessment for 50 of the managed units of its existing housing and assisted the tribe with the PRICE grant application, which is aimed at preserving and revitalizing manufactured housing. Leveraging these two items creates a significantly positive impact for tribal members living in the tribe’s housing. 

    Currently, the INSY and MHP staff are collaborating to bring training for the Tribal Council and senior staff to clarify their roles and responsibilities in January. The purpose of this training is to define the duties, powers, and limitations associated with each position, promoting effective governance and decision-making. This training and guidance aim to establish a strong foundation for governance, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of their tribal community.  

    Brian Muhs

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  • Looking for FREE Community Development Services? Apply now!

    Is your community facing a lack of affordable housing? Do you work for an organization that could benefit from enhanced local knowledge, training, and strategic partnerships? MHP is excited to open its application for FREE technical assistance for housing and community development! View MHP’s Request for Technical Assistance (RFTA) Application here.

    MHP’s renowned Strengthening Rural Communities Program (funded through an eighth-consecutive Rural Capacity Building award from HUD), delivers technical and financial assistance to rural entities and Native Nations across the country, increasing their capacity to meet current and future housing needs—at no cost to RFTA awardees. By increasing local capacity, we position beneficiaries of the assistance to achieve their unique vision and sustain housing and community development successes long after MHP’s work is complete.  

    MHP has the expertise to assist with a variety of issues, including housing development, housing program development, organizational development, funding and resource development, and community engagement and outreach. Since 2014, MHP staff provided direct assistance to over 132 beneficiaries through customized and individual workplans; including assistance with 54 community development projects. The result: 577 affordable units are in the development process, with 33 new units completed, and 632 housing units have been rehabbed/preserved.. The assistance also contributed to the success of 41 businesses (including 8 new ones) and boosted their local economies.  Read about the impact of this technical assistance in just a few communities here:

    Priority is given to organizations currently engaged in housing development as a part of their mission or actively working to build their housing development capacity. MHP also works with such entities as rural housing development organizations (RHDOs), local units of government and political subdivisions, tribal governments and tribal corporate entities, and CHDOs and CDCs. Statewide or state-affiliated entities are not eligible.  

    Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Click here to access the application directly. MHP will follow up within forty-five days to schedule a collaborative review of your application. MHP is an equal opportunity assistance provider and markets its technical assistance program to communities historically facing housing disparities. More information paper copies of all materials are available upon request.  

    We want to work with you! Please reach out with any questions:

    Via Phone: 651-925-5545 

    Via Email: [email protected] 

    Via Fax: 651.649.1725 

    Apply for MHP’s FREE Assistance Here

    Brian Muhs

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  • MHP Concludes Work with Santo Domingo Tribal Housing Authority

    As of December 1, 2024, MHP staff has begun the closeout process for their partnership with the Santo Domingo Tribal Authority (SDTHA). The Santo Domingo Pueblo, known as Khe-wa to its residents, is located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, along the Rio Grande. Recognized for its rich traditions, many community members still speak Keresan, along with English and some Spanish. With over 5,000 enrolled members, the Pueblo has a variety of departments providing services to its residents. 

    The SDTHA, established in 1995, focuses on affordable housing development for the community. They aim to provide safe, sustainable, and culturally appropriate housing that supports traditional family values and self-sufficiency. SDTHA has implemented a master plan that integrates affordable housing with economic development and infrastructure improvements. 

    After facing significant organizational challenges, including management issues and financial shortfalls identified in a 2019 HUD-ONAP monitoring review, along with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, MHP assisted the SDTHA with overhauling its staff and operations. MHP improved the SDTHA’s internal capacity and secured funding for new housing development projects. This support included the creation and updating of internal policies, resolving its monitoring findings with HUD-SWONAP (Southwest Office of Native American Programs), strategic organizational planning, and a Housing Needs Assessment. 

    Additionally, MHP assisted the SDTHA with grant writing for the Competitive Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) using resources from MHP’s Strengthening Rural Communities Grant (SRCG). Although the application scored well, it resulted in a tie with several other applicants and did not receive funding. Fortunately, due to the strong score of the application and overall improvements, the SDTHA is now well-positioned to apply for both the IHBG and the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG). This will allow them to continue planning for projects that had been on hold due to monitoring issues. 

    Brian Muhs

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