Public Housing: The HRA owns, manages, and maintains 176 Public Housing units. The Shady Oaks High-rise is a 126 unit structure designated as “general occupancy” (all high-rise units are one-bedroom rentals). The HRA Public Housing portfolio also includes 50 scattered site rentals that are two, three, and four-bedroom single-family homes and duplexes. Rent in the Public Housing Program is based on 30% of adjusted monthly household income or on the property flat rent. Every other year the Public Housing properties are inspected and scored by contractors for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2016 the HRA received a rating of “High Performer” from HUD, the highest rating possible for unit physical conditions standards. Public Housing Applications are available at the HRA office at 800 Fourth Avenue South in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Please call 507-377-4375 with any other questions regarding applying for Public Housing Assistance.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV):  The Housing Choice Voucher Program is the Federal Government’s program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.  Since housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find their own housing, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. 

The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program.  The Albert Lea HRA provides 155 units of HCV assistance and has a written agreement with Freeborn County that allows the utilization of the HCV Program throughout the county. The HCV Program provides rental assistance payments to a private landlord on behalf of an eligible family, with the family portion of the rent based on 30% of adjusted monthly income. Section 8 HCV Applications are available at the HRA office at 800 Fourth Avenue South in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Landlords interested in more information regarding the Section 8 HCV Program are encouraged to contact the HRA office for further no-obligation information. Please call 507-377-4375 with any other questions about HCV assistance.  Click Landlord Listing for a list of landlords in Freeborn County.  

Glenville Apartments: The HRA provides 8 units of Rural Development Housing through its development in Glenville, Minnesota. Rent at the Glenville Apartments is based upon income eligibility and the HRA does accept renters assisted through Section 8 HCV Program. For more information or to obtain an application please stop at the Glenville location at 321 5th St SE, Glenville, MN, or call 507-508-6066.

Minnesota Cities Participation Program (MCPP):  The HRA administers a local MCPP Program that provides low-interest mortgages to qualified first-time home-buyers in Freeborn County. These programs are available through local MHFA approved lenders. For a listing of local (Greater Minnesota) MHFA lenders please go to http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/FindALender/index.aspx
Property Management: HRA staff has managerial experience in a variety of both governmental and private property management including; tax credit property management, USDA/RD property acquisition/management, HUD rental/purchase program management and private rental/for sale property rehabilitation and management. HRA staff also has experience in the rehabilitation and management of both single and multi-family properties.