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.
Residential Rehab Program -Partnership with City of Rushford & EDA
NEW – starting May 2020! A revolving loan fund for deferred loans, to homeowners in the City of Rushford. This funding can be used for general home repairs and improvements. 
- For households whose gross household income is 100% area medium income or below in Fillmore County. (See flyer for income limits.)
- Amounts: $5,000 – $24,999
- 2% simple interest for 10 years; 0% after.
- No credit check required!
Contact us to learn more – cindy.vitse@semcac.org | 507.864.8207
TO APPLY
- Cover Letter for Application Packet
- Home Renovation Loan Program Policy Manual, Guidelines
- Loan Disclosure– Signature/date required
- Checklist for Borrower
- Lead Based Paint Statement – Signature/date required
- General Consent Release -Complete form & signature/date required — Contact Cindy Vitse
- Application – Complete form & signature/date required — Contact Cindy Vitse
- Note: The General Consent Release and Application will be available online in the near future.
Related Resources
- Download or view the flyer, here – City of Rushford, Residl Rehab Loan
- Radon Brochure
- Renovate Right brochure – EPA
Small Cities Development Program
Semcac has partnered with local units of government, CEDA and HRA authorities, to administer Small Cities Development Program projects.
- City of La Crescent; Owner Rehab
- City of Hokah; Owner Rehab (Our partner CEDA is doing Rental and Commerical Rehab in Hokah)
Contact Cindy Vitse for more information – 507.864.8207
Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Rural Development website.
Loan Programs for Homeowners
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
Contact List for Rehabilitation Loan Programs
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.