Housing Authority
Live Where You Work Home Ownership Program
By participating in the “Live Where You Work”, St. Louis Park employees have an opportunity to attain the “American Dream” of owning a home. The “Live Where You Work “ homeownership assistance program provides eligible employees of St. Louis Park businesses with a $2,500 forgivable, deferred loan towards the purchase of a home within St. Louis Park. Employers are invited to contribute a matching or lesser amount to the City’s contribution.
The employee must obtain a first mortgage through a participating lender. The grant can be used to help finance a down payment, closing costs and gap financing. Current participating lenders include Associated Bank, Bremer Bank, Citizens Independent Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. The loan is forgiven after three years provided the buyer continues to meet program eligibility criteria.
The program not only offers an employee an opportunity to live near their workplace, but it also provides an opportunity for the buyer, the City and businesses to collaborate to enhance relationships in the community, make homeownership more affordable and revitalize neighborhoods and schools . Homebuyers will also benefit from reduced commute times and travel expenses.
Additionally, the city would also like to provide an incentive to get foreclosed vacant properties occupied by home owners. Consequently, qualified buyers purchasing foreclosed properties in St. Louis Park are eligible for an additional $1,000 grant from the city, in recognition that these homes may have additional maintenance needs.
For further details about this program and eligibility requirements, contact the City of St. Louis Park’s Housing Supervisor, Michele Schnitker, at (952) 924-2571 or mschnitker@stlouispark.org. For a copy of the Live Where You Work brochure, please click here Brochure.If you are interested in applying for a forgivable loan call the Center for Energy & Environment (CEE) at 612-335-5891.
Waiting List General Information
The St. Louis Park Housing Authority is currently ONLY accepting pre-applications for wheelchair accessible one and three-bedroom units. You or a family member must have a mobility-related disability requiring a barrier free, wheelchair accessible unit in order to qualify for this waiting list. Public Housing income eligibility also applies. All other waiting lists – Public Housing (all bedroom sizes), Hamilton House, and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – are CLOSED.
To Obtain a Pre-Application
Pre-applications for wheelchair accessible units can be obtained in person during regular business hours or by mail. The Housing Authority office is located at 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To receive a pre-application by mail, call 952-924-2579 to leave your name and address. Please follow the prompt and speak clearly. A pre-application will be mailed to you within five business days.
When You Receive Your Pre-Application
Answer all questions completely on both sides of the pre-application. You and all household members age 18 or older must sign the pre-application. Mail or bring the pre-application to the Housing Authority at the above address. We do not accept pre-applications by FAX.
A letter will be sent to you within one month after you submit your pre-application and the information is entered onto the waiting list. This letter will state your placement on the waiting list and approximate wait time. Wait time is determined by the date and time your pre-application is received, the number of bedrooms your family needs, and your eligibility for local admission preferences.
Once you receive this letter, information about your status on the waiting list can only be obtained upon submission of a written request. Any changes in your address and/or family size during the waiting period must be reported in writing to the above address.
All applicants for the Public Housing Program must complete a thorough screening process, including housing history, credit and criminal background checks.
