Housing
The goal of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Housing Department is to provide affordable, attractive, safe and comfortable homes to Mille Lacs Band members. The department offers home loan programs, home improvement grants, and affordable housing programs to Band members. Since 1991, the Band has built more than 200 new homes and renovated many existing homes. New programs and services may be developed periodically, so please call for more information.
Please note the following housing on-call numbers:
District I and IIa: 320-630-2498
District II: 320-630-2492
District III: 320-630-2497
Daniel Boyd III
Director of Housing
Email
Waiting Lists
Applicants are required to update their applications every six (6) months in order to retain their position on the Waiting List and must provide current address. Failure to do so will result in being removed from the waiting list entirely.
Home Loan Program
Qualified applicants can receive financing to purchase an existing home, construct a new home, or refinance an existing home mortgage. The home may be located on private property or on tribal land. Mobile homes are not financed, but certain modular homes may be considered if approved in advance. Maximum loan amounts depend upon program limits and the individual’s income and other long-term debts.
Applicants’ incomes are verified and credit checks are conducted. A perfect credit history is not required, but it must be reasonable as defined by the Housing Board, which makes decisions regarding the Home Loan Program. Policies are reviewed as necessary and are subject to change. There may be a waiting list for this program.
Home Renovation Loan Program
Financing is provided to qualified applicants to renovate an existing home. Applicants’ incomes are verified and credit checks are conducted.
Mary Bedausky
Loan Coordinator
Email
Affordable Rental Housing Units
Single-family rental units are available to Band members. Rent is based on the total household income, and occupancy standards apply. A damage deposit is required prior to occupancy. Because the demand for affordable housing exceeds the supply, there are waiting lists for these units.
Maintenance Services
Maintenance services are available for residents of the Housing Department’s affordable housing units. Maintenance services are also provided as a benefit to Elders who live on or near the reservation. Subject to the availability of staff and funds, maintenance services may be available for a fee to other Mille Lacs Band members who live in private homes.
Hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Please submit Housing work orders to:
Dana Skinaway-Sam
Housing Data Coordinator
Email
District III
Lionel Richey
District III Maintenance Supervisor
Email
Elder and Handicap Housing Services
In addition to housing maintenance services, Elders or handicapped individuals who submit a written request may be eligible for renovations or the lifetime use of a home in accordance with Housing Development policies and as funds are available.
Gina Anderson
Property Manager
Email
Emergency Housing Services Loan Program
An emergency housing services loan is available for Mille Lacs Band members who have encountered an emergency that was unforeseen and beyond their control. If the emergency has caused a Band member to fall behind in basic living needs, he or she is eligible to apply for a non-interest emergency loan.
Lisa Pearson
Finance Manager
Email