MPHA is updating this post as the situation develops.

As the COVID-19 risk evolves in Minnesota, MPHA is implementing appropriate and well-informed protections for MPHA staff and the families we serve. In our actions, we are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the actions of other public housing authorities around the country facing a similar task.

Notice of COVID-19 Regulatory Waivers

During this time, MPHA has utilized certain regulatory waivers under HUD PIH Notice 2020-05 to improve operations for the benefit of program participants, property owners, and the housing authority. These waivers are logged on this HUD-template form.

MPHA also provided the following audience-specific notifications of any such changes: Public Housing Resident Notification | HCV Household Notification | HCV Owner Notification


MPHA Offices are Closed to the Public, But Open for Business.

This closure includes 1001 Washington and all property management (AMP) offices. In doing this, we are following the lead of Minnesota state government to minimize risk to staff and do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We will be suspending all in-person interactions, including external meetings and avoiding internal meetings, when possible. Closing our offices does not mean MPHA is closed for business! We remain committed to our mission and the families we serve. We will conduct as much business as possible by telephone and email, and will respond as needed to emergency situations. Property offices feature signs with contact information so that residents can easily reach staff by telephone in lieu of a walk-in. Our voucher department will conduct reviews via the online portal and email. MPHA program (public housing or Section 8) you should call your property manager or eligibility technician for assistance during this time.

    • A list of Section 8/HCV staff phone numbers is available here.
    • Public housing high-rise residents should see the numbers on your property manager’s door.
    • Scattered site and Glendale residents, call 612-342-1500.
    • If you cannot reach your property manager, all public housing residents can also call our Work Order Hotline (612-342-1585) for help. Our operators are prepared to try to help with various questions during this time.

Families should continue to pay rent as normal. If you have a drop in income, report it promptly so that we can lower your rent amount as applicable. If you have a late rent payment, our rent collections window is closed. You should pay using the postage-paid envelope we send you, or use the lockbox available in the vestibule of our main office (1001 Washington Ave N) during business hours (8:00 to 4:30 M-F).


Housing Stability

Important: Report Drops in Income Immediately

We know that the economic impact of the coronavirus may result in a loss of income for some households. Rent for all MPHA programs is income-based. Households should immediately report any loss of income to their eligibility technician, so that rent can be lowered accordingly and promptly. You can also use our online forms:

You do not need to report increases in income at this time.

Evictions

MPHA is following eviction moratoriums from HUD and the State of Minnesota. MPHA has stayed all evictions and is not filing UDs with the housing court. HUD has published a flyer for residents on the moratorium.