☎️ UPDATE 5/29: Volunteers of America-Minnesota has established a hotline for public housing residents in need of urgent weekend assistance with food or other social services because of social disturbance (loss of local shopping, etc.) and/or the coronavirus pandemic. Call 612-821-2189. Calls will be returned between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. over the weekend.


MPHA is OPEN for business, and we are committed to helping you by phone and online!

  • Public housing residents should contact their property manager by phone, using the information posted on your property office door (or 612-342-1500 for townhome and scattered-site residents).
  • If you have a Section 8 voucher, contact your eligibility technician.
  • You can also call our Work Order Line for help on various matter: 612-342-1585.

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


 

RENT AND INCOME

  • You should continue paying your rent as usual.
  • Report any drop in income immediately so that we can adjust your rent.
  • UPDATE: Should you experience an increase in income, you should report this to MPHA in line with standard MPHA policies and procedures. Just as the State of Minnesota gradually resumes business as usual, MPHA is continuing interim and annual certifications.
  • For late rent payments, with your late-payment notice you should have received a prepaid envelope to send the payment. We also have a lock-box set up inside our front vestibule at 1001 Washington Avenue North. (You will not be able to enter the building for the regular Rent Collections window).
  • The second round of Economic Impact Payments, otherwise referred to as stimulus payments, will be distributed over the next few months. For those who file taxes, no action is required, and payments will be directly deposited or mailed to you. People who do not typically file taxes or did not register online may still be eligible to receive their payments in 2021. For more information, visit the IRS website: www.irs.gov/eip.
  • There are both state and federal evictions moratoriums in place.
    • Keep up with the latest information on this separate post: https://mphaonline.org/stabilization-tools/
    • HUD created this flyer for households and HCV property owners (associated with the original moratorium through July 24).
    • MPHA sent its own communications directly to HCV households and property owners.

 


 

WORK ORDERS

  • Residents can continue to file work orders and call (612) 342-1585 for highrise work orders or (612) 342-1515 for family work orders.
  • MPHA will prioritize the most urgent work orders. MPHA procedures define what is an emergency work order in this situation. If your work order is not an emergency, it may need to wait. We apologize for the inconvenience.
  • We are continuing to log all work orders and will address them when we are able.
  • If maintenance comes to your unit, please stand at least six feet away or step out of the unit temporarily, for their safety and yours.
  • If you are sick, please let MPHA staff know before they enter.

 


 

FOOD, INTERNET, MENTAL HEALTH, AND OTHER RESOURCES

  • Every Meal has expanded shelf-stable meal bags for the months of December and January. Bags are free and available at several locations throughout the Twin Cities: https://www.everymeal.org/what-we-do/winter-program/
  • Hennepin County has set up a resource helpline: 612-348-3000 for people impacted by COVID-19. The helpline is staffed seven days a week, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., and help is available in different languages. Resources available can include clothing, financial assistance, groceries, medical care and equipment, and medication.
  • Second Harvest SNAP Outreach Specialists are available over the phone for application assistance and for sharing food resources. Residents can have their eligibility screened ahead of time and send in their referrals by using the online screening tool at: www.2harvest.org. Or, they can call the toll-free number at (844) 764-5513 or (651) 209-7963 to leave their contact information.
  • Local food pantries are available in our area. Direct people to the list online at foodpantries.com/ci/mn-minneapolis.
  • Certified Metro Mobility customers can now order groceries and household essentials online from a store that has online shopping and local pick up. Metro Mobility will pick your order up and deliver to your house. Grocery and goods delivery information can be found online at: https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Services/Metro-Mobility-Home/Grocery-Delivery.aspx
  • United Way has a variety of resources ranging from food to community health clinics. Residents can dial 211 for assistance.
  • HUD has circulated a collection of resources for internet access for low-income people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Questions regarding schools, childcare, and business: Direct to Minnesota Department of Health’s website: https://mn.gov/dhs/ or their hotline at 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504, which is open between 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Questions regarding unemployment: Direct to the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance website at: uimn.org/
  • Mental health and crisis contacts can be found online on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website at: https://mn.gov/dhs/crisis/ or through the Hennepin County adult mental health crisis line 612-596-1223.
  • The Community Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) of Hennepin County has circulated a list of different stress, mental health, and wellbeing resources.
  • Reach out to VOA social service staff for other social service questions.
  • Century Link is partnering with PCs for People and is currently helping eligible people to purchase desktops for $20. To learn more about eligibility and to complete the inquiry form, visit: https://pcsforpeople.com/centurylink/ 
  • WellShare International has developed a series of videos in Somali covering COVID-19 prevention, mental health, financial resources, and more. Watch these videos online at: https://mphaonline.org/covid-somali-videos

 


 

HEALTH TIPS

  • If you are sick:
    • Stay home and call your doctor.
    • Limit close contact with people.
    • Pay attention for potential warning signs and symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
  • Health Question about Coronavirus: Direct to Minnesota Department of Health hotline at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, which is open between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Prevent the spread of germs and stay healthy:
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeves.
  • High-risk people include adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Residents who are high risk should:
    • Stock up on supplies.
    • Take everyday precautions to keep space between themselves and others.
    • Keep away from others who are sick in public, limit close contact, and wash hands often.
    • Avoid crowds as much as possible.
    • Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
    • Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.