The Renter Support Fund is back! Starting January 4th, 2025, the program will reopen with the goal of providing low-barrier cash assistance to Minneapolis renters in need. Since its inception in 2019, the fund has supported nearly 600 households throughout the city. However, due to overwhelming demand, the fund has only been able to assist less than 1% of all applicants.
What Makes This Fund Unique?
Unlike traditional support programs, the Renter Support Fund puts cash directly into the hands of those who need it most. This assistance is provided directly to renters — not to landlords, energy companies, or other third parties. Recipients have full autonomy over how they use the funds. There are no reporting requirements, no restrictions on purchases, and no need to prove prior rejection from other programs. Funds can be used for groceries, utilities, or any other essential expenses necessary to stay afloat. This approach removes systemic barriers and allows renters to address their unique needs without added stress or obligations. Simply put, this is not a loan — there are no strings attached and no refunds required.
How to Stay Updated
To be among the first to know when the fund reopens, sign up for email alerts. The fund's ability to operate is made possible through collective efforts from volunteers, neighborhood organizations like the Lyndale & Kingfield Neighborhood Association (LHENA) and Whittier Alliance, as well as contributions from individual donors. Community support has been critical in keeping this program alive.
Status of the Program
The demand for this type of assistance is immense. While the fund will continue to remain open and provide support to as many renters as possible, the reality is that the number of applications far exceeds available resources. Each month, the fund receives hundreds of applications, and although every effort is made to support as many households as possible, the limited capacity remains a significant challenge.
What’s Needed to Truly Address the Crisis
In an ideal world, emergency support programs like the Renter Support Fund wouldn’t be necessary. The systems we already pay taxes into would provide the financial safety nets that communities need. Until that reality is achieved, programs like this one serve as a vital stopgap for residents facing financial hardship.
To make a lasting impact, structural changes are required. This includes increased government support, fair housing policies, and economic investments in community-based safety nets. Continued community support is essential to keep the Renter Support Fund operating. Donations, volunteer efforts, and advocacy are all key to ensuring the program’s sustainability.
If you’re able to contribute, consider donating to the fund or volunteering your time. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of renters striving to maintain stability in the face of rising costs and limited support from traditional systems. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where renters have the resources they need to thrive.
Editor: Ren Koo
People really needed it, a lot of people I know have difficulty paying their rent, I was very happy when I read your article, it will comfort them to support those people a little, I hope a lot of people benefit from this fund, I'm not a tenant, but I can understand the difficulty they are experiencing, I love my house very much, I like spending time at home, what I like to do most is stay at home and play games for hours, playing games like basketball legends am very entertaining and makes me feel good, I hope everyone will own their own house one day.