Aanjibimaadizing is local administrator of COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program

Published

Are you behind on housing payments? The Band may be able to help!

The Mille Lacs Band’s Aanjibimaadizing Program will serve as one of the local administrators of the State of Minnesota's COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program.

The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program provides housing assistance payments to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, and maintain housing stability for eligible renters and homeowners.

The program is available in all districts and the urban area.

As a local administrator, Aanjibimaadizing will review applications from individuals and families requesting assistance, verify eligibility, and process payments for eligible expenses on behalf of households.

"A lot of people got behind in their payments due to COVID-19, and this is a good opportunity for Band members to get caught up," said Aanjibimaadizing Executive Director Tammy Wickstrom. "Remember, though, that this program has a deadline of December 30, so act fast!"

The Band will begin processing payments in September.

Eligibility

Are you a Minnesota resident?

Do you have a housing-related payment with a due date of March 1, 2020, or later that is past due?

Is the housing issue due to unemployment, illness, or another issue that happened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

If so, contact Aanjibimaadizing for assistance.

Eligible expenses include:

— Housing expense payments
— Rent payments
— Mortgage payments (including homeowners insurance)
— Utilities
— Other housing related payments (association dues, manufactured home lot rent, etc.)

Eligible renters or homeowners must have a household income at or below 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines. (Preference is given to households at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines.)

Aanjibimaadizing can help you with the required Common Housing Application, which requires personal identification, household certification, release of information, and income documentation.

Funds must be paid directly to the Vendor or company.

Section 8 or subsidized housing is not eligible for the CHAP Funds.

If you have questions about the program, call Tammy Moreland at 320-292-1942.

Call Gladys at 320-532-7407 or email gladys.sam2@millelacsband.com to schedule an appointment with someone to walk you through the application.

You can also call 211 or 1-800-543-7709 or text "MNRENT" or MNHOME" to 898-211. The 211 helpline has staff available to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you apply online, choose Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as administrator.

Applications are due by December 7.