Housing & Shelter

Semcac offers several programs to assist homeowners to complete needed repairs to their home. See program options below. To determine if you qualify and learn more about each program, please call Cindy at (507) 864-8207 or cindy.vitse@semcac.org 

MN Housing Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program
(RLP/ELP)

Semcac administers Home Improvement Loan Programs in Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona counties.

The Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP), is a Minnesota Housing program that is designed to help very low income people to address health and safety improvements. Funds may be used for basic home improvements that directly affect the home’s safety, habitability or energy efficiency to homeowners.

The Emergency and Accessibility Loan Program (ELP) is designed to address emergency home improvements or essential accessibility improvements.

Both of these loans are deferred loans– this means no monthly payments or interest, but there is a lien on the home. You must remain in the home for 15 years to be forgiven (10 years if it is a mobile home in a park).

For program income  limits click here
Income eligibility is based on gross income less $1000 per household member

Contact Cindy Vitse for more information – 507.864.8207   cindy.vitse@semcac.org 

For Olmsted County homeowners, contact Olmsted County HRA at 507.328.7124

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

DEED Small Cities Development Program

About Small Cities Development Funding

Funds may be used to provide financial assistance for property owners to correct certain health, safety, accessibility, prevent further deterioration of property, and/or restore and preserve a property’s historical value.

Semcac partners with local units of government, CEDA and HRA authorities, to administer Small Cities Development Program projects. Current available grant programs include:

  • City of Harmony; Owner Rehab (Our partner CEDA is doing Commercial Rehab in Harmony.)

Contact Cindy Vitse for more information – 507.864.8207   cindy.vitse@semcac.org 

City of Rushford Residential Homeowner Rehab Program

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.

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

FAQs

To request an application for the Rehab Loan Program, call Cindy at 507-864-8207 or email cindy.vitse@semcac.org.

Semcac’s Community Development Department administers housing rehab loans for owner-occupied homes:

  • The MN Housing Rehab Loan Program is income based according to household size.  Please call for current income limits.

MN Housing Rehab Loan Program: The maximum loan amount is $37,500 (and $27,000 for EM/Access Loans due to COVID cost increases) up to 15 years at no interest. This loan places a mortgage on the property that is forgivable after 15 years if the home has remained the owner’s principal place of residence. For mobile homes in mobile home parks, the mortgage term is 10 years.

For the MN Housing Rehab Loan Program: Repairs are determined by a home inspection and also a lead risk paint inspection if the home was built in 1978 or before.  Lead paint issues, health, safety and energy conservation are the top priorities.

Fair Housing Act

Semcac 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).

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