Has your housing situation been affected by wildfires or extreme weather?

Housing Resources for Households Affected by Extreme Weather in Minnesota
If the recent wildfires or major storm damage in Bemidji affected you or someone you know, please see below for possible resources:

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Storm Damage Inquiries for resources/support

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe members and descendants can complete an application online at  DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1.800.621.3362 or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Leech Lake Facilities Center Disaster Recovery Center
16126 John Moose Dr NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633
Open: Nov 5 – Nov 19
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays

Former First Nation Bank Building Disaster Recovery Center
429 Minnesota Ave. NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
Open: Nov 6 – Nov 19
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays

Check the Leech Lake Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.

Beltrami County Storm Damage Inquiries for resources/support

• Visit Beltrami County's Emergency Management webpage, the Beltrami County Emergency Management Facebook or call 218.333.8386.

United Way of Bemidji and Community Resource Connections are providing services and resources. Please visit their website or call to request support:

• Visit United Way of Bemidji or call 218.444.8929
• Visit Community Resource Connections or call 218.333.0880

Carver County Storm Damage Inquiries for resources/support

• Visit Carver County Emergency Management for information or call 952.361.1212
• Contact United Way 211 for resources and information, or call 211

Wildfire Resource Update

• Visit United Way of Northeastern Minnesota for wildfire recovery resources or call 218.254.3329. Homeowners can apply for up to $5,000 in funding for a primary residence.

Other Resources

• Rental housing search: HousingLink
• Resources for renters and people facing housing instability:
  • Find Housing Help
• Resources for homeowners:
        Improve Your Home: Minnesota Housing financing for homeowners
   
  • US Department of Agriculture - Rural Development
    • USDA Section 504 Repair Loan and Grant assists rural homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. See fact sheet for more information.
  • Minnesota Department of Veteran’s Affairs
    • Disaster Relief Grant
    • Veterans Relief Grant
  • Red Cross
  • United Way 211
  • Disaster Distress Helpline
  • Minnesota Department of Commerce Disaster Information Center
  • Veterans Linkage Line
  • Minnesota Senior Linkage Line

Note: Access to these resources depends on funding availability and eligibility.

Reporting Property Damage

• St. Louis County residents can report property damage here: Wildfire | St. Louis County MN Emergency Services Hub
• Lake County does not have a self-reporting tool. Lake County Emergency Management and Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) are the best resources for information.

What should homeowners do who are worried about making mortgage payments?

• Homeowners facing property damage from wildfires and severe weather should contact their lender if they are concerned about making a mortgage payment.
• Banks and mortgage holders may be able to offer borrowers an alternative payment plan once they know about financial hardship caused by a natural disaster.