Administrators of the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a household seeking assistance with past due rent or mortgage, the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program is no longer able to accept applications. For other housing assistance resources, visit this webpage and click on the "Resources for Renters and Homeowners" section.
The following information is ONLY for COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program administrators.
Background on the Program
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance to prevent homelessness and help maintain housing stability of individuals and families impacted by the public health-related emergency. The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Fund is funded with federal dollars through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, which is authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The program helps households that have been impacted by COVID-19 through unemployment, illness, or other COVID-19 related circumstances. Funds were awarded to administrators to help households that have a rent payment, mortgage payment, homeowner association dues, contract for deed payment, homeowner insurance payment, utility payment or other housing-related expenses incurred after March 1, 2020 that is past due.
Program Materials for Grant Administrators
- Program Guide (UPDATED March 11, 2021)
- Release of Information and Certification Form (available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali)
- Appeal Process (Administrators can provide this document to households to explain the appeal process. Available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.)
- COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program RFP Selection Framework and Final Scores
Watch and Listen to Webinars and Trainings
- Program Funding Disbursements (held on August 31, 2020) - Listen to the recording and view the slides.
- Program Staff Training (held on January 15, 2021) - Listen to the recording and view the slides.
Program FAQs
- COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program FAQs (UPDATED October 15, 2020)
- HousingLink Online Application Software FAQs
- CARES Act Forbearance Fact Sheet
211 and HousingLink Technical Assistance
- HousingLink: If you have questions or need help navigating the online application system, please call 877.314.1401 (interpreter services are available) or email sunny@housinglink.org.
Reporting Documents
Contact
If you have questions, please email mhfa.covidhap@state.mn.us.