1. PUBLIC HOUSING MYTHS

2. FACTS: In Minnesota 75% of all Public Housing households are headed by an elderly person or a person with a disability. Most of those are 1-person households. 23% of Public Housing families with children are headed by elderly or disabled people (disabled workers, grandparents, etc.). Only 20% of Public Housing households in Minnesota are female-headed households with children. Average household size in MN public housing is 1.8. Public Housing Myths: “It’s mostly single moms with kids.”

3. FACTS: There are 144 housing agencies (HRA’s or PHA’s) in Minnesota. 124 housing agencies have public housing programs, with a total of 21,000 public housing units. 66 housing agencies administer a total of 30,000 Section 8 housing vouchers. Public Housing Myths: “It’s mostly a metro issue.”

4. Housing Agencies in MN (HRA’s–PHA’s)

5. Public Housing Myths: “Nobody Works” FACTS: In Minnesota 30% of all Public Housing households have earned income. In St. Paul 44% of Public Housing family households have earned income (average earnings $20,000).

6. FACT: In Minnesota only 25% of public housing residents (households) receive some welfare: Public Housing Myths: “Everyone’s on welfare” MFIP (MN Family Investment Program for families) MSA (MN Supplemental Assistance for elderly people and people with disabilities) GA (General Assistance for younger persons not certified as disabled – temporary assistance)

7. Public Housing Myths: “People stay forever” FACT: The average length of stay in St. Paul Public Housing is around 6 years. Other agencies report similar data.

8. FACTS: Rent is based on 30% of adjusted income, with a minimum rent ($50/month in St. Paul). In Minnesota, Public Housing households (all sizes) pay an average of $268/month for rent and utilities. Households with children in Public Housing pay an average of $369/month. Public Housing Myths: “Most public housing residents don’t pay rent”

9. REPEAL THE “MFIP HOUSING PENALTY” ! Minnesota is one of the only states that cuts welfare grants (MFIP) to families who have public housing or a voucher. Each family’s MFIP check is reduced by $50/month just because they live in public housing or have a Section 8 voucher. FACT: Minnesota penalizes families who get welfare and housing assistance.

10. The $50 MFIP Housing Penalty hurts families with very low incomes who receive federal housing assistance. With $50 less each month for the family’s basic needs, any crisis – car breakdown, health emergency, etc. – can force them out of housing or a job. With both housing assistance and a full MFIP check, families are better able to get jobs and keep them (MDRC studies show this). More Facts About the “MFIP Housing Penalty”

11. The $50 MFIP Housing Penalty takes money away from affordable housing programs: More Facts About the “MFIP Housing Penalty” Since rent is based on income, the PHA/HRA loses $15 in rent each month from each family on MFIP. Minnesota housing agencies lose over 1.3 million/year in rent. Result: Fewer vouchers, less money for managing and maintaining public housing.