Red Lake Nation News - Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

ST. PAUL, June 27, 2023 - The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated housing insecurity for millions, especially for low-income, and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC) households. This newly released report reviews the impact of federally funded emergency rental assistance (ERA) in Minnesota in supporting housing stability during the pandemic. In Minnesota, ERA funds reached those most in need of housing assistance and prevented housing instability, helping keep residents safe and housed.

Major findings and recommendations include:

• The need for ERA in Minnesota was greatest for low-income and BIPOC households. Black households were more than twice as likely to report being behind on rent compared to white households, and households of color were more likely than white households to receive assistance.

• A permanent ERA program is necessary, at the scale of the need. Despite the success of emergency rental assistance in addressing housing instability, additional and continuing resources are needed.

• ERA should be available and provided before a crisis arrives to best serve renters and landlords, using a prevention rather than a response model.

• Community-based organizations are critical to assisting renters and property owners and ensuring program success.

Access the full Emergency Rental Assistance During The COVID-19 Pandemic Report here: https://mhponline.org/emergency-rental-assistance-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) expands housing and community development opportunity for those most impacted by economic and racial disparities by leading collaborative work to promote systems change and grow equitable development capacity. For more than 30 years, MHP has accomplished this mission by producing data-informed research, advocating for equitable housing policy, and providing community development services across the US.