Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Community Development
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Yes, Anoka County participates in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency‘s (MHFA) “Start-up” program which provides, to qualified first-time homebuyers, mortgage funding and limited down payment and/or closing cost assistance. The state’s definition of a first time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home within the last 3 years. The program requires that you use an MHFA-approved lender, and they provide a listing of those lenders on their web site at www.mnhousing.gov. This program is currently funded. To start the process, the buyer needs to contact an MHFA-approved lender who will determine if they are eligible for this program. MHFA also has a “Step-Up” program which provides the same mortgage opportunities as the “Start-Up” program but funds are used to refinance the home you currently own or allows you to purchase a home even if you owned one less than 3 years ago. You do have to use a lender who is MHFA approved.Community Development
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No, Anoka County does not currently offer a down payment assistance program. Check the county website for the latest information on upcoming programs - visit www.anokacounty.us/cdCommunity Development
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Community Development
Yes, Anoka County has a housing repair / rehabilitation program available to income-qualified homeowners. Rehabilitation is intended to improve housing quality standards – it will not pay for additions or luxury-type improvements. If approved and work is completed, a lien is placed against the property in the amount of costs incurred. The lien is a deferred loan on which no interest accrues, and it is considered a “special mortgage” by the state. The county currently administers two state (Minnesota Housing) rehab programs: - “Emergency and/or Accessibility” rehab program for income- qualified homeowners AND - “Rehab Loan” program for very low-income homebuyers. Anoka County utilizes federal CDBG funds to administer a housing rehab program for low/ moderate income homeowners. As with the state’s program, completed rehab work will result in a deferred, no interest loan/lien being placed against the homeowner’s property.
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No. Anoka County does not administer the Section 8 program. For more information regarding the Section 8 program, visit Met Council's website at www.metcouncil.org.Community Development
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Community Development
Anoka County has several shelter facilities which offer temporary housing: -Stepping Stone Emergency Housing for female and male adults (18 and older) - 763-323-7006 -Alexandra House, Inc. (battered women’s shelter) - 763-780-2330 -Family Promise in Anoka County (shelter for up to 4 families with children) - 763-568-7365 -The Metro Area Hotline provides shelter info for the Twin Cities metro area: 1-888-234-1329