Semcac offers several programs to assist homeowners, rental property owners and/or commercial property owners to fix up their home or property. See program options below. To determine if you qualify and learn more about each program, please call Cindy at (507) 864-7741. To email a request or send us information please use our Semcac Message Center.
General Contractors & Lead Contractors Wanted
Seeking General Contractors for current and upcoming owner occupied rehab loan programs throughout Semcac and the Bluff Country HRA’s service area.
Woman owned and/or minority owned and Section 3 (household income of 80% and lower of county median) contractors are encouraged to apply.
Must have current MN Residential Contractor’s license and insurance. Lead Firm Certification (MDH & EPA)- Lead Renovators and/or Supervisors are required for MN Housing funded projects. Lead Supervisor Certification is required for DEED funded projects.
For an application, please contact Cindy at Semcac/Bluff Country HRA. 204 S Elm Street, PO Box 549, Rushford, MN 55971 – 507.864.8207 – cindy.vitse@semcac.org
Semcac is an Equal Opportunity Employer. | Equal Housing Opportunity.
Small Cities Development Program
Semcac has partnered with local unites of government, CEDA and HRA authorities to administer Small Cities Development Program projects.
- We are currently working in the City of La Crescent; Owner Rehab only.
- We are finishing up SCDP in the City of LeRoy; Owner and Commercial Rehab. Program end date is September 30, 2019.
- We are currently working in the City of Houston; Owner Rehab and Public Facilities.
- We are currently working in the City of Caledonia; Owner Rehab, Rental Rehab and Commercial Rehab.
Loan Programs for Homeowners
MN Housing Quick Start Disaster Loan Program
Quick Start Disaster Loans are available for a limited time, on a first come, first served basis. The loans are available for those effected by the flooding that occurred between Jun 26 – July 7, 2019 in southeastern Minnesota; Counties of Dodge, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele. These loans are a resource when private insurance and federal assistance are not adequate to return a damaged home to its pre-disaster condition. It is a forgivable (after 10 years), no-interest loan ranging from $1,000 – $15,000 per property. No income limits for eligibility. Deadline: Nov. 30, 2019
How to obtain a loan?
- Apply to SBA for a disaster loan (you have to do this first). Contact: 800.659.2955 or www.sba.gov for more info. Or apply online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login
- Apply for a Quick Start loan with Semcac staff, who are administering the program:
- Cindy Vitse | 507-864-8207 | cindy.vitse@semcac.org
- Amber Duncan | 507-634-4350 | amber.duncan@semcac.org
- If you are eligible for the Quick Start loan, you will receive a “conditional” commitment.
View/Download the 2019 Southern MN Flood Quick Start Loan FAQ’s sheet
MN Housing Rehab Loan Program
This Minnesota Housing loan program helps low-income homeowners make their homes more livable, accessible, and energy efficient. Eligible improvements include plumbing, electrical wiring, roofing, heating, accessibility improvements, and remedy of any defect preventing the structure from meeting code requirements. This loan places a 15-year mortgage on the property and is forgivable after 15 years only if it has remained the owner’s principal place of residence. For mobile homes in a mobile home park, the term of the loan is 10 years.
Contact: Cindy Vitse | 507-864-8207 | cindy.vitse@semcac.org
Contact List for Rehabilitation Loan Programs in southeastern MN counties
Here are some photos of a bathroom rehab done by Semcac in Freeborn County:
| BEFORE | AFTER |
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MN Housing Accessibility/Emergency Loan Program
The MN Housing Accessibility/Emergency Loan Program assists homeowners needing emergency assistance and/or essential accessibility improvements to their home. Guidelines and terms for this loan program are the same as it is for Rehab Loan Program.
Contact: Cindy Vitse | 507-864-8207 | cindy.vitse@semcac.org
MN Housing Fix-Up Fund Loan Program
Semcac is no longer administering the MN Housing Fix Up Fund Loan Program. To find a lender, please contact MN Housing at: www.mnhousing.gov | PH: 651.296.8215 or 800.710.8871
Fair Housing Act
Semcac’s Community Development Department does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law (The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988). It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
- In the sale or rental of housing or residential lots;
- In advertising the sale or rental of housing;
- In the financing of housing;
- In the appraisal of housing; and
- In the provision of real estate brokerage services.
- Blockbusting is also illegal.
Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against should file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): 1-800-669-9777 (toll free) or 1-800-927-9275 (TTY). Click here for more Fair Housing information from HUD.