Fair housing is the right to choose one’s housing, without being subject to unlawful discrimination. As a recipient of Federal funds, the City has the obligation to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing, and to take “meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protected characteristics”
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Fact Sheet
In 2017, the City Council created a Fair Housing Working Group to make policy and budget recommendations to the Mayor and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, with the goal of eliminating housing disparities, lowering barriers to affordable housing, and ensuring access to economic opportunity in the City of Saint Paul. The Working Group includes representatives from the City Council, Mayor’s Office, Planning and Economic Development, Safety and Inspections, Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity, the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), and Ramsey County. The Working Group presented a report to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) on March 28, 2018.
File a Discrimination Complaint
Who Do I Contact About Fair Housing?
The Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) provides funding, participates in regional fair housing initiatives, provides direct service, and promotes fair housing policies
- The Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program provides no-interest loans for responsible landlords desiring to upgrade their current property classification by making property improvements that increase the safety and quality of rental units
The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) promotes the safety of Saint Paul’s housing stock, for renters and homeowners.
- First-time landlords are required to participate in Landlord 101, which satisfies the requirements of SPLC 40.04(b) (4), requiring first-time Fire Certificate of Occupancy applicants to complete an approved course of instruction.
- Prospective tenants can review inspection records for specific rental properties through Saint Paul's Online Services property search portal.
- Prospective tenants can identify specific areas within Saint Paul and review the most recent inspection grades those properties received through DSI's Certificate of Occupancy Map.
The Department of Human Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity (HREEO) provides fair housing training to landlords and tenants, investigates fair housing complaints, and participates in policy development.
- If you feel you have received discriminatory treatment in employment, real property, education, public accommodations, and public services, learn more about your civil rights and/or file an official complaint.
The City Council and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) adopt policies and budgets related to fair housing.
- The City participates in the Fair Housing Implementation Council
Resources
Legal, dispute resolution, and education
Southern MN Regional Legal Services’ provides free, high-quality legal services to low-income people in critical civil matters.
Phone: (651) 222-5863
HOME Line supports tenants in Minnesota by providing free and low-cost services to help solve their rental housing issues legally.
Phone: (612) 728-5767.
Dispute Resolution Center provides community mediation and restorative justice services in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Counties.
Phone:(651) 292-7791
Fair Housing MN provides an inclusive resource guide.
Housing listings
Housing Link provides online lists of available units in the metro area. This includes market-rate housing, buildings that accept Section 8 vouchers, and other available subsidized housing.
Phone: (612) 522-2500
Community resources
Ramsey County Emergency Assistance can provide short-term financial assistance in cases that pose a direct threat to the physical health or safety of a child younger than 18.
Phone: (651) 266-4444
HouseCalls/Families in Crisis Program is a collaboration between Public Health and Health Care for the Homeless. It provides health and social services to families living in high-risk environments, who are at risk of becoming homeless. All services (except utility assistance) are by referral only.
The Family Place is the only day center for homeless families in Ramsey County.
Phone: (651) 225-9354
United Way connects people with resources within Minnesota.
Phone: 211
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services with links to housing, emergency assistance, and healthcare.
Salvation Army assists residents across Minneapolis, St. Paul and the greater metro area with basic needs, housing, and other services.
Phone: (651)746-3400
Catholic Charities is the largest comprehensive social service nonprofit in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul region, serving thousands of people through 35 different programs at over 20 locations.
Phone: (612) 204-8500
Lutheran Social Services helps Minnesotans by providing a wide range of human support services related to the basic necessities of life - food and shelter, physical health and safety, and emotional and spiritual well being.
Phone: (651) 642-5990
Loaves and Fishes serves free, nutritious meals to people in need in areas where that need is greatest.
Phone: (612) 377-9810
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's A Brush With Kindness partners with low- and moderate-income homeowners to maintain their homes.
Phone: (612) 788-8169
Heart and Hammers provides exterior home improvement assistance for Senior Citizens, Disabled Adults, and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces or their Surviving Spouse so that they may continue living independently.
Phone: (651) 636-0797
C.L.U.E.S (Comunidades Latinas Unidas Em Servicio) programs are designed to provide access to resources and opportunities for Latino families and individuals to be healthier, prosperous and engaged.
Phone: (651) 379-4200
