Hennepin County Housing stories

We talk a lot about housing and homelessness from a policy level, with big numbers and complex charts, but the impact of this work on the individual residents we serve is the real reason we do what we do. 

Below you’ll find personal stories and profiles that give voice to the many people who are at the center of our programs. You’ll also find “big picture” updates and highlights.

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The county team that tackles lead

The county’s lead poisoning prevention work is powered by the Healthy Homes team—trusted lead experts with years of experience detecting and removing lead paint.

america can end homelessness text over a women standing outside

Documentary: Invisible People highlights Hennepin County

The nonprofit chose Hennepin County to show how, despite a national crisis, the county is making progress.

A dream home: Homeownership made possible through the county’s Homebuyer Assistance Program

The Homebuyer Assistance Program is a new funding opportunity that provides eligible first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 in downpayment and closing cost assistance.

sketch of the new opportunity crossing building

New beginnings

Developers break ground on new shelter, affordable housing developments

New downtown kiosks provide on-the-go housing resources for people in need

The kiosks include Hennepin Waypoint–the county’s digital directory that connects people experiencing homelessness or extreme financial hardship to services.

Homeless to Housing program houses almost 1,300 people

The program embraces a person-centered approach to finding housing.

Shelter hotline proves an agile resource for residents

The Hennepin Shelter Hotline has become a valuable thread in the safety net to keep area residents off the streets and out of the shelter system.

Innovative development integrates affordable housing, childcare and other supports

Hennepin County was one of many partners to support the development of Rise on 7 in St. Louis Park.

A place to land for families

A new supportive housing option in Hopkins for families involved with child welfare.

Hennepin County loan program helps make homes more accessible

Hennepin County offers loans for home repairs and maintenance to help make homes safer and more accessible.

An unprecedented demand for emergency family shelter

How the county is stepping up to support children and families.

Video: Streets to Housing

One-to-one support that helps transition people to stable housing

All about AHIF: the little funding engine that could

The county has been running the Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIF) for over 20 years. It doesn’t often make headlines, but it is making an outsized impact on communities.

A time of crisis: The county’s pandemic response

COVID-19 created turmoil in everyone’s lives. Yet with recovery funding, the county was able to invest deeply in both homelessness response and affordable housing development.

Point in Time Count: A communitywide effort to track trends in homelessness 

The annual Point in Time Count helps track long-term trends in homelessness over time, and brings the community together to connect with residents in need.

Hotels to housing: new tenants are moving in

Of the 6 properties under the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) strategy, 2 of them are getting ready to lease to new tenants.

Representation matters: How the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) is influencing housing programs

Rico Morales, who has struggled with housing instability for most of his life, is now one of the leading voices for change in housing support programs.

A healthy home, healthy life

How one North Minneapolis resident updated her house and protected her kids from lead.

Artist rendering of an affordable housing complex

Affordable housing along transit corridors

When lower-income workers can live near high-quality transit, they are connected better jobs and more opportunities — all of which affect their overall health and well-being.

Belfry Apartments: deep housing affordability in the heart of Minneapolis

Belfry Apartments sits one block south of George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The project includes 41 units of deeply affordable housing.

map of minneapolis, golden valley and hopkins

Covenants of yesterday still haunt families today

Although discriminatory covenants are illegal, unconstitutional and against public policy, it is important to understand and acknowledge the lasting impacts they have had in our community.

women walking a senior citizen down a hallways

Eviction prevention provides hope, support

When the end of the eviction moratorium was near, Hennepin County staff knew there would be a flood of people entering housing court. They stepped in to help.

New windows, new view

Northeast Minneapolis family one of 5,000 to reduce lead hazards in home.

Homeless to housing: Personalized, housing-focused support

In just two years, the Homeless to Housing program has successfully transitioned more than 1,000 people into permanent housing. Almost all of them (96%) have stayed in that housing.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing fills a gap, brings new opportunities

Through the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing model, the county acquires and rehabilitates properties, which has included motels and hotels, to create small, independent units that share common spaces like kitchens.