The Mankato and Blue Earth County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRA) provide two housing assistance programs.

THE SECTION 8 EXISTING HOUSING PROGRAM is a program which allows participants to use existing rental housing in Mankato and in Blue Earth County.

Participants are required to find their own housing, which once certified, must meet H.U.D.'s minimum housing quality standards. As openings become available for the program, the first person on the waiting list is notified by letter and must come into the office for a briefing and to receive their applicable Certificate or Vouchers of Family Participation. Until this written notification occurs, applicants' names remain on the waiting list.

THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM provides housing units which are owned by the Mankato or Blue Earth County Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Public Housing units are located all over the City of Mankato, Amboy, Eagle Lake, Lake Crystal, Madison Lake, and Mapleton. One, two, three, four, and five bedroom units are available.

When a unit becomes vacant, the first person on the waiting list is notified.

MAKING AN APPLICATION

Housing assistance applicants are taken by appointment only. An appointment can be made by calling (507) 387-8636. Please bring copies of Birth Certificates and Social Security cards for everyone in you household.

It is also necessary to provide names and addresses of former landlords, which are used to obtain references. After screening is completed, applicants are notified of the eligibility status.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Low Income

1. senior citizens 62 years of age or older
2. families with children
3. handicapped/disabled people who are defined in Section 223 of the Social Security Act or in Section 102(5) of the Development Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Amendments of 1970, or handicapped under H.U.D. definitions.

THE RENT PAID

Rents are based on total household income allowing for certain deductions. Generally, participants for both programs pay 30% of their adjusted income.