What Is Public Housing?
Public housing was established in 1984 to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from scattered single family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly families. There are approximately 1.2 million households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 HAs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.

Description
ICHRA owns and manages 132 dwelling units consisting of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units. Twenty (20) of the apartments are located in Taconite, MN (approximately 7 miles east of Grand Rapids), twenty (20) of the apartments are located in Calumet, MN (approximately 15 miles east of Grand Rapids) and ninety (90) of the apartments are located in Grand Rapids. The one bedroom apartments in Taconite and Calumet are located in one story buildings and the two and three bedroom units are townhouse/duplex style family units. The apartments in Grand Rapids are located in three story buildings. Public housing provides a clean, safe and affordable living environment for eligible lower and very low income individuals and families. Public housing families pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income for rent and utilities.

Eligibility and Admission Preferences
Eligibility for public housing is set by Congress (annual income based on a percentage of the Itasca County median family income adjusted for family size). Admission preferences are given to elderly (62+ years), near-elderly (50-61) and to disabled applicants (18+ years).

Type of Assistance
Rental assistance only - Access to some services provided on-site through external service providers.

Other Requirements
In addition to income eligibility requirements, applicants must also meet non-economic screening criteria including rental and criminal history reviews.

Notice regarding Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
To view the notice to Public Housing applicants and tenants regarding VAWA, please click HERE.

To obtain the form to apply for the VAWA provision, please click HERE.