MHP Connect

Four communities celebrate $1.6 million in FHLB awards

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Created: Friday, 11 January 2019 11:13

Written by Laura Proescholdt

In late 2018, four communities in three states celebrated funding awards from Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) Affordable Housing Program (AHP) totaling more than $1.6 million in critical funds to construct, rehabilitate, or acquire affordable housing.

MHP’s Community Development Team helped make these awards happen, supporting community members in Yankton, South Dakota; Miller, South Dakota; Spokane, Washington; and Winona, Minnesota as they worked to submit competitive applications. The funding secured will provide 70 affordable and safe rental homes for working people, preserve affordable rental homes for seniors, and rehabilitate tribal rental homes and owner occupied homes.

In Winona (pictured right), FHLB funds will support the Ability Home Rehabilitation Program. Community Development Specialist Nick Larson said the program will “empower Winona homeowners to make the necessary repairs and investments to remain in their homes and age in place, while protecting their home values for future generations.”

Read more: Four communities celebrate $1.6 million in FHLB awards

December budget forecast is good news for housing

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Created: Thursday, 20 December 2018 10:18

Written by Laura Proescholdt

The Minnesota Office of Management and Budget (MMB) released the December budget forecast on December 6. The December forecast is one of two annual forecasts done to provide an update on Minnesota’s financial health by examining spending, predicted revenues and a variety of other economic factors. It shows projected deficit or surplus for the current biennium (FY 2020-2021) and gives a glimpse into what may be the forecasts for future biennium.

The December budget forecast is positive, showing a surplus of $1.54 billion. Overall, this is good news for Minnesota and good news for housing advocates. Many budget experts, however, urge a note of caution in reviewing the extent of the surplus. Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman said the “real surplus” was $382 million, as reported by Session Daily.

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More than a home: Where we live impacts childcare and our independence as we age

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Created: Monday, 17 December 2018 09:39

Written by Laura Proescholdt

A place to raise the neighborhood

When Shirley owned a home in Baxter with Harlen, her husband of 61 years, it was more than a place for the couple to share a life together. For 17 years, Shirley provided daycare out of her home. Gramma’s Daycare — named by one of Shirley’s charges — was a key asset to the neighborhood and the community. She was a talented daycare provider with fair prices — and her services were in high demand.

“Women who had used my daycare used to plan their pregnancies around my openings so they could bring their children there,” Shirley said. “I had a lower rate because these were all young kids who were just starting out, and I just felt that I should help them a little bit. I made friends for life with all of them.”

The home Shirley and Harlen made together created a safe, safe, happy place for neighborhood kids to grow up and find success as adults. “All the practice we did printing — they called it playing school — I got four teachers, a pharmacist, and an engineer out of my daycare!” she said.

Photo: Shirley and Harlan in 1998 on their 47th anniversary trip to Hawaii. They were married 61 years.

Read more: More than a home: Where we live impacts childcare and our independence as we age

"We can't find enough people to fill our jobs": The Mill Townhomes to provide crucial affordable homes in Staples

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Created: Thursday, 06 December 2018 10:44

Written by Laura Proescholdt

Rendering of The Mill Townhomes by Blumentals/Architecture, Inc.

It takes dozens of dedicated people to make sure we have quality healthcare — from environmental services employees ensuring we don’t get an infection after surgery to nursing assistants who provide exceptional care, to receptionists who greet us with a smile at the front desk (despite our runny noses).

But Lakewood Health CEO Tim Rice says he’s struggling to fill key positions like these because potential employees can’t find an affordable place to live in Staples — and that’s slowing the growth of the health system.

“With higher unemployment, we used to have 20-30 people apply for a job,” Rice says. “Now, it’s almost nil. We can’t find enough people to fill our jobs. Anytime you have a gap like this in the community, it has an impact. Appropriate housing options — from rental opportunities to homeownership — are crucial for success.”

Read more: "We can't find enough people to fill our jobs": The Mill Townhomes to provide crucial affordable...