Growing affordable housing
Hennepin County is meeting our region’s affordable housing challenges head on by being deliberate in how, where, and with whom we invest in affordable housing. Our investments support the full spectrum of affordable housing, with a special focus on reducing disparities and growing housing options for people with the lowest incomes.
Funding rental housing development
1,493 units of affordable housing created or preserved through 23 projects in 2024.
Hennepin County funds the development and preservation of affordable rental housing meant to maximize the amount of rental housing available to very low-income households. Through programs such as the Affordable Housing Incentive Fund, Home Investment Partnerships Program, Supportive Housing Strategy, and Single Room Occupancy Housing, the county finances long-term options tailored to the specific barriers people face when seeking housing.
Homeownership
62 families purchased their first home through our Homebuyer Assistance Program in 2024.
We make homeownership possible for more families by increasing the housing supply and supporting potential homeowners in purchasing their home. By investing in strategies such as capital funding for the construction of affordable homes and down payment assistance, we work to reduce disparities in homeownership and help families build wealth, impacting their ability to excel in all domains.
Housing preservation
6,112 total completed lead exposure prevention and home rehab projects since 2004.
Hennepin County helps low-income homeowners by funding home repair and health and safety improvements. This work helps prevent serious conditions like lead poisoning. It also lowers families’ monthly housing costs and helps to stabilize whole neighborhoods.
Our housing work in action
Affordable housing across the county
We fund affordable housing projects across the county, in both metro and suburban areas, providing a diversity of housing choice for people who have varying needs and situations.
Collaborating to conserve: our weatherization pilot
Late last year, we completed a weatherization and home repair pilot that saved homeowners an average of $346.69 in total energy savings per household per year.
When accessibility means freedom: Ann’s story
Ann Cirelli never expected that she’d need a ramp in her home. But after a sudden illness, everything changed. Luckily, Hennepin County’s home repair team was able to step in and build the ramp Ann needed.