Building a stronger community through housing

The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority works to create a stable and inclusive community through safe and dignified housing choices. By filling housing gaps, supporting new development and keeping neighborhoods strong, the HRA ensures everyone in Bloomington has access to safe and affordable housing. Its programs and services are designed to assist renters, homeowners and those seeking to buy a home.

Learn more about the HRA’s resources and how they help the community by visiting blm.mn/hraresources. For questions, email hra@BloomingtonMN.gov or call 952-563-8937.

Providing support for homeowners

The HRA understands that owning a home can be difficult, especially during financial hardships or when repairs are needed. To help homeowners keep their homes, the HRA offers several programs:

• Energy assistance: Rising utility costs can be a burden for many families. The federally funded Energy Assistance Program offers grants to help income-eligible households pay for heating, water and furnace repairs. These grants are paid directly to utility providers, ensuring immediate relief for families. Visit blm.mn/energyassistance for more details.

• Home improvement loans: For Bloomington homeowners looking to make critical repairs or upgrades, the HRA provides loans of up to $50,000. These funds can be used for projects like replacing outdated heating systems, improving energy efficiency or addressing safety concerns. While not currently accepting applications, the HELP and Home Rehab Loans are expected to reopen later in 2025. These loans don’t need to be repaid until the home is sold or transferred, making them accessible to those with limited incomes. Learn more at blm.mn/loans.

• Seniors aged 60 and older can benefit from the H.O.M.E. Program, which offers affordable help with lawn care, snow removal and small household repairs. These services allow older adults to stay independent and live in their homes longer. For information and to apply, call 952-746-4046 or visit seniorcommunity.org.

Creating pathways to homeownership

Owning a home is a dream for many, and the HRA is committed to making this easier to achieve. Several initiatives focus on helping residents overcome barriers to homeownership:

Rental Homes for Future Homebuyers: This program allows eligible households to rent an HRA-owned home for up to five years. During this time, part of the rent is saved in an escrow account that can later be used as a down payment. This helps participants access housing and build financial stability. To learn more or apply, visit blm.mn/rentalhomes.

Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance: This pilot program offers down payment assistance to income-eligible households with a focus on those from historically disadvantaged communities. Participants must complete financial and homebuyer counseling to prepare for the responsibilities of owning a home.

Educational opportunities: The HRA hosts monthly workshops that teach renters how to become homeowners. These workshops are offered in English, Somali and Spanish to improve accessibility.

Since 2016, partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Homes Within Reach have enabled more than 30 families in Bloomington to achieve homeownership. These partnerships have helped to both create and preserve affordable housing in our city.

Preserving and improving Bloomington’s housing

The HRA also prioritizes preserving Bloomington’s existing housing stock, ensuring that homes remain safe, efficient and sustainable for years to come through programs such as:

• Housing and Environmental Loan Program: Provides forgivable loans to homeowners needing emergency repairs, such as fixing a leaking roof or addressing a city safety violation. Applications for this program are anticipated to reopen later in 2025. Check for updates at blm.mn/loans.

• Home Energy Squad: Helps residents lower utility bills and reduce energy use. For just $50, energy consultants will visit your home, evaluate energy-saving opportunities and install materials like LED bulbs, weatherstripping and programmable thermostats. Learn more at mncee.org/home-energy-squad.

• A Brush with Kindness: Habitat for Humanity’s program supports homeowners by offering repairs and weatherization assistance. Priority is given to residents dealing with urgent needs, like tree removal caused by Emerald Ash Borer.

The City of Bloomington’s Opportunity Housing Ordinance encourages the development of new affordable housing and preservation of existing affordable housing in Bloomington. Since 2021 a total of 1,745 units of new housing have been developed. Of those, 549 have affordability requirements. There are 435 units currently under construction and 164 units in the development pipeline, with additional projects currently in negotiations.

Out of the 435 units currently under construction, 156 are affordable. Recent projects include The Knox Apartments and Ever Apartments which offer affordable and market-rate options, and Ardor on the Bluffs which held a recent ribbon-cutting for it’s first phase of a larger project with a future phase anticipated.

Supporting the full housing continuum

The housing continuum is, at its simplest, the range of housing types available in a community—from emergency shelters on one end, all the way to homeownership on the other. Follow the arrows in the graphic below to see how an assortment of housing options and types are critically important for different people at different times.

From emergency shelters to permanent homeownership, the HRA provides resources for residents at every stage of housing. This approach ensures that people have resources to meet their needs no matter where they are in their housing journey.

Programs like Bridge to Benefits help families determine if they qualify for public assistance or tax credits. This free and confidential tool connects families to resources that can reduce financial stress and improve stability. Learn more at bridgetobenefits.org.

By addressing the full range of housing needs, the HRA not only addresses current challenges but also works to build a stronger, more resilient Bloomington for the future.

Looking ahead

Through its programs and community partnerships, the HRA continues to shape Bloomington’s housing landscape. From creating new paths to homeownership to preserving the homes and neighborhoods that define the city, the HRA is committed to making Bloomington a place where everyone can find a home.

To learn more about available programs or the HRA’s work, visit blm.mn/hra.

Helping renters stay housed

The HRA provides programs to make housing more stable and affordable for renters in Bloomington. One of the largest initiatives is the Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8. This program helps more than 650 households each year pay for safe, affordable housing by covering part of their rent. Renters can choose their own homes as long as they follow program rules. The waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher program reopened in July 2024. Learn more and apply at blm.mn/hcv.

The HRA also works with local groups to help renters facing housing insecurity. These nonprofits play an important role in providing the support renters need to regain stability. Some of the key partners include:

Bridging: Helps families move into stable housing with essential household goods and furniture.

VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People): Provides food, transportation and housing help.

HousingLink: Connects renters to affordable housing and resources.

Recently, three new partnerships funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act were launched:

HOMELine: Eviction prevention services.

Touchstone Mental Health: Emergency rental and utility assistance.

Oasis for Youth: Supports young people facing homelessness and housing challenges.

If you’re a renter in need of assistance, these organizations can provide support and guidance. Find additional resources at blm.mn/hraresources.