Growing affordable housing
Hennepin County is meeting our region’s affordable housing challenges head on by being deliberate in how, where, and with whom we invest in affordable housing. Our investments support the full spectrum of affordable housing, with a special focus on reducing disparities and growing housing options for people with the lowest incomes.
Funding rental housing development
1,493 units of affordable housing created or preserved through 23 projects in 2024.
Hennepin County funds the development and preservation of affordable rental housing meant to maximize the amount of rental housing available to very low-income households. Through programs such as the Affordable Housing Incentive Fund, Home Investment Partnerships Program, Supportive Housing Strategy, and Single Room Occupancy Housing, the county finances long-term options tailored to the specific barriers people face when seeking housing.
Homeownership
62 families purchased their first home through our Homebuyer Assistance Program in 2024.
We make homeownership possible for more families by increasing the housing supply and supporting potential homeowners in purchasing their home. By investing in strategies such as capital funding for the construction of affordable homes and down payment assistance, we work to reduce disparities in homeownership and help families build wealth, impacting their ability to excel in all domains.
Housing preservation
6,112 total completed lead exposure prevention and home rehab projects since 2004.
Hennepin County helps low-income homeowners by funding home repair and health and safety improvements. This work helps prevent serious conditions like lead poisoning. It also lowers families’ monthly housing costs and helps to stabilize whole neighborhoods.
Our housing work in action
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.
Housing development highlights from 2024, looking forward to 2025.
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.