Supportive Housing | Program Guidelines

A Strong Example in Duluth The Women's Transitional Housing Coalition (WTHC) is an organization in Duluth that is committed to addressing the housing needs of women and children who are the victims of domestic violence, homelessness and chronic poverty. Since 1989 WTHC has developed and managed 5 projects that provide 48 units of housing for women and children throughout the Duluth area. In May 2001 WTHC established its Women in Construction Company to teach valuable trade skills to low income women. The program opens up opportunities within the building trades to women who have historically been denied access to these living wage paying jobs. Read a feature story on the socioeconomic impact of the Women in Construction Company's work.

Sandi Dahl/Budgeteer News Katie Rider, 21, has decided on a career in construction since she started the Women in Construction training program a year ago. She is now a full-time employee for Women in Construction Company LCC.

Eligible Applicants

Non-profit and for-profit developers and local government agencies.

Types of Assistance

GMHF will award qualified supportive housing projects funds in the form of zero- or low-interest, deferred loans. Maximum amount of GMHF gap financing is $30,000 per unit.

Minimum Project Requirements

• Assisted units must be restricted to households with a gross household income that does not exceed 80% of the statewide median income, adjusted for family size. Funded projects will generally serve households at or below 60% of the statewide median income, adjusted for family size.

• Community must have a demonstrated need for affordable housing with supportive services targeted to a specific population.

• Leveraging of additional funds from other agencies such as local governments, state agencies or other funding agencies.

• Project must be consistent with the local community's comprehensive plan and consistent with the applicable EVHI and Continuum of Care guidelines for that region. For more information about your EVHI region, see http://www.mhfa.state.mn.us/about/EVHI.pdf.

• Project must demonstrate sound financial structuring according to established underwriting criteria.

• Project must demonstrate sound financial structuring according to established underwriting criteria.

• Design of project must be attractive, functional, cost-effective, complementary to existing neighborhood design, energy efficient and able to maintain value over the life of the funding commitment and beyond.

• The development team must possess the expertise and technical capacity sufficient to complete the project in compliance of all codes and requirements of all funders, including GMHF.

• Funding secured for administration and service provision related to the specific project.

• All other sources of funding must be committed prior to GMHF approval of funding.
  

Additional Project Selection Priorities

In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility requirements, projects will be awarded priority points based upon demonstration of the following:

• Expertise, experience and ability in providing programming and support services to the targeted population.

• Funding secured for administration and service provision for an extended period of time.

• Priority will be given to projects targeting 60% and below of median income, with additional consideration given for lower income populations.

• Projects providing employment, educational and/or training programming.

• Local participation from organizations such as local governments, businesses and/or lenders through financial contributions or in-kind assistance.

• Incorporation and/or nearby availability of community/office space for the provision of support services.

• Inclusion of common public space to promote resident interaction.

• Project site located near neighborhood amenities, particularly those needed by the target population (e.g. schools, parks, bus line, etc.)

• Integration of the new or rehabilitated development within the surrounding area.

• Use of innovative building techniques that reduce costs or improve livability.
  

Funding Cycles

Funds are available twice a year in the Spring and Fall through Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's Super Requests For Proposals (RFP) process.

MHFA and its RFP funding partners have developed a Common Application that can be used for Supportive Housing funding applications. This application includes the proforma, narratives and submittals and eliminates duplication to simplify the process for applicants applying for multiple sources of funds through MHFA, it’s funding partners and collaborating partners.