Meeker County Minnesota Is Making It Easier for Residents to Become Homeowners

Three organizations, The United Community Action Partnership (UCAP),the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and Meeker County Economic Development Authority (EDA) are working in tandem on a new Meeker County Homeownership Program, making homeownership a reality for more residents.

The Meeker County Homeownership Program is:

• Building More Homes: The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency granted the UCAP $849,644 in the form of loans and grants to be used in the Meeker County Homeownership Program. These funds will support the construction of five, new single-family homes including four split entry homes for larger families and one slab-on-grade home designed for aging homeowners.
• Providing More Financing: The UCAP is partnering with the Meeker County Economic Development Authority (EDA) to finance the construction and reduce the overall costs for the project.

Requirements for the Meeker County Homeownership Program

The five homes scheduled to be built will be listed for sale as soon as construction begins in the spring of 2021. The homes will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to buyers who:

• Earn less than $105,600 annually.
• Complete one of two Homebuyer Education Courses.
  • HomeStretch: A 2-day workshop led by a certified HUD Housing Counselor.
  • Framework: An online course developed to educate homebuyers about the entire home buying process.

The UCAP supports homeowners in need throughout southwest Minnesota. In addition to the Home Ownership Program, the UCAP provides the following programs related to homeownership:

• Housing Assistance: This program helps individuals find stable housing or receive rent or mortgage assistance.
• Energy Assistance: The UCAP helps low-income homeowners pay for winter fuel costs or furnace replacement or repair.
• Weatherization Assistance: Through this program, qualified applicants can reduce their energy expenses by making energy-efficient home improvements.
• Property Improvement Loans: The UCAP offers financing options to improve the safety and livability of residential and commercial properties.

Initiatives like the Meeker County Homeownership Program, that make it easier for residents to become homeowners, are an important step toward the UCAP’s mission of “eliminating poverty by empowering individuals and strengthening communities.” The UCAP’s homeownership programs are an asset to any qualifying low-income individual who dreams of becoming a homeowner.