The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Stevens County,
Minnesota (informally known as the Stevens County HRA) was organized by the
Stevens County Board of Commissioners in 1977. The HRA is governed by a 5-member
Board of Commissioners appointed by the Stevens County Board. HRA Commissioners
are selected from throughout the whole of Stevens County. Current HRA
Commissioners include:
- Barb Tomoson, Board Chair - Representing the Alberta
area.
- Bruce Malo, Vice-Chair - Representing the Hancock
area.
- Dick Bluth, Secretary-Treasurer - Representing the Morris area.
- Algene Larson - Representing the Donnelly area.
- Hugh Reimers - Representing the Chokio area.
The Stevens County HRA is committed to building better
neighborhoods by providing comprehensive housing and business opportunities for
qualified individuals and families through creative and professional service in
partnership with the greater community.
The mission of the Stevens County HRA is to serve the
citizens of Stevens County by:
- Ensuring that all Stevens County residents have access to
decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing.
- Revitalizing and maintaining neighborhoods.
- Forming effective partnerships to maximize social and
economic opportunities.
- Providing business and economic development
opportunities.
The mission shall be accomplished by a fiscally
responsible, creative organization committed to excellence in public
service.
It is the policy of the Housing Authority to comply fully
with all Federal, State, and local nondiscrimination laws and with the rules and
regulations governing Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in housing and
employment.
The HRA shall not deny any family or individual the
opportunity to apply for or receive assistance from the Agency on the basis of
race, color, sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, familial or
marital status, handicap or disability or sexual orientation.
To further its commitment to full compliance with
applicable Civil Rights laws, the HRA will provide Federal/State/local
information to program participants regarding "discrimination" and any recourse
available to them if they are victims of discrimination. Such information, and
all applicable Fair Housing Information and Discrimination Complaint Forms will
be made available upon request.
The Stevens County HRA administers several Federal, State,
and local housing programs. HRA offices are located on the 1st floor of the
Stevens County Courthouse. The office is open from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through
Friday. Please call 320-208-6559 to schedule an appointment or to request
additional information about HRA programs.
Section 8 Rental Assistance
This Federal program provides monthly Housing Assistance
Payments directly to landlords of qualified low income participant renters.
Rental units must have reasonable rents (as determined by the HRA), and must
meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
Owner-Occupied Housing Repair
The HRA administers several different home repair programs
for persons who own their home. Depending on the location of their home and
their total household income, applicants may be eligible to finance home repairs
with a combination of loans and deferred loans.
Rental Repair
State and Federal grant and loan funds may be available for
repairs to rental properties where the owner agrees to maintain the unit in
compliance with HUD’s Housing Quality Standards and Fair Market
Rents.
Affordable Rental Units
The HRA owns Wildwoods Apartments, a 14-unit Section 42
rental building located in Morris. Residents must have documented household
income which is no more than 60% of the Area Median Income as defined by
HUD.
Revolving Loan Fund
A small pool of funds provided by the Otto Bremer
Foundation allows the HRA to make loans for rental security deposits or utility
deposits to low and moderate income persons.
Development Tools
Tax Increment Financing, Revenue Bonds, and other financing
tools for business and housing development are available through the HRA.
Examples of the work performed with these tools include the business expansion
at Superior Equipment, the Service Option for Seniors housing
units and the Stevens County Courthouse and Law Enforcement Center.
