St. Louis and Carlton counties have received additional money from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to help low-income residents made homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless because of the June flooding.
The money was approved by lawmakers during the state Legislature's special session last month.
The grants are available to individuals or families at or below 200-percent of federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, annual income must be less than $46,100. The money must go to fix an immediate need for problems caused by the flood -- such as additional rent damage deposits, housing search expenses, moving costs and utilities.
Contact the Salvation Army at (218) 722-7934, ext. 103, or the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency at (218) 749-2912, ext. 268. In Carlton County contact Lakes and Pines at (320) 679-1800.
Meanwhile, the Legislature also approved programs for other home and business owners who are not considered low-income.
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For business owners, the state has provided $15 million in the Minnesota Investment Fund disaster recovery assistance for local units of government to help businesses and nonprofits resume operations. The money can be used for capital expenses, reestablish operations and ultimately retain and create jobs for businesses damaged in the flood. Churches and apartments are not eligible.
The money is in the form of an interest-free loan that is 50 percent forgivable. Each loan has a 10-year term. Half of the principal amount will be amortized over nine years. No payment is required the first year. The remaining half of the principal amount will be forgiven if the business remains in the community for 10 years.
Contact the Duluth Office of Business and Economic Development at (218) 730-5322 or, outside the city, contact the Northspan Group at (218) 529-7562.
For homeowners, lawmakers approved $12.2 million in funding for the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Quick Start Program -- a forgivable, no-interest loan up to $30,000 per house for flood-related damage. If the home is still your primary residence after 10 years, the loan will be forgiven. To qualify, mortgages and property taxes must be current and you must have homeowner's insurance.
Apply at www.sba.gov or by calling (800) 659-2955. Quick Start funding is available for those not eligible for the SBA loan or for those that qualify for an amount less than their total damages.
In Duluth contact One Roof Housing (218) 727-5372. Outside the city call the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency at (218) 749-2912, ext. 288.
