Results Minnesota: Strong and Stable Minnesotan Communities

El, a resident of Saint Paul, was just one of 8,100 Minnesotans who avoided homelessness in 2012 thanks to the work of MHFA.

Two years into his administration, Governor Mark Dayton is making important progress toward building a Better Minnesota. Measuring that progress by the improvements Minnesotans have seen in their lives, families, communities, and economy, the Dayton Administration is taking inventory of what has been accomplished thus far, and considering the work that still remains to be done.

One crucial measure of that progress is supporting strong and stable families and communities, which is essential to improving the quality of life enjoyed by Minnesotans. Governor Dayton is focused on helping all Minnesotans do better by delivering high-quality services that support a nation-leading quality of life. From helping seniors find comfort and security in their old age, to providing support for vulnerable Minnesotans, to driving down the cost of living – Governor Dayton is committed to making Minnesota an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

In the Spotlight

Every day, thousands of Minnesotans face the challenges of homelessness.  The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) provides assistance to homeless individuals and families, helping people find the safety and comfort of affordable housing.

Ten years ago, El (pictured above) was homeless, until he received the assistance of MHFA. Thanks to rental assistance and support services, El now lives in a one bedroom apartment in Saint Paul with his two cats.

El recently shared his story with MHFA’s staff and Board, crediting MHFA employee Kate Britney for, “helping to save his life.”

Delivering Results

• Supporting the Dream of Homeownership – Helped 4,650 Minnesota families become first-time homeowners; 23% were families of color.
  
  
• Helping Seniors Live Independently – Helped almost 500 seniors move out of a nursing home back into their home or community.  Compared to 2010, that represents a 185% average annual increase.
  
  
• Providing Affordable Rental Housing for Low-Income Families – Closed 163 loans for multifamily rental properties, providing quality, affordable housing for 6,850 low-income Minnesota families.
  
  
• Helping Disabled Minnesotans Live Independently – Helped over 400 persons with disabilities move out of an institution and into a home. Compared to 2010, that represents a 62% increase.
  
  
• Keeping Wastewater Rates Low – Helped hold wastewater rates 35% below the national average, saving Twin Cities residents $113 per year.
  
  
• Training Unemployed Workers – Vocational Rehabilitation Services has helped re-train, and re-employ nearly 5,000 unemployed workers.
  
  
• Helping Seniors Live Full and Productive Lives – Helped 90,000 seniors access information and services to improve the quality of their lives and find opportunities to serve their communities.
  
  
• Supporting Minnesota Veterans – Created 180 new Yellow Ribbon networks to coordinate community resources and support for 400,000 Minnesota veterans, military service members and their families
  
  
• Helping Victims of Domestic Violence – Provided emergency shelter to 9,739 victims of domestic violence, helping them develop safety plans.