(St. Paul, MN) On Friday, Senator Justin Eichorn celebrated the announcement of state and federal investment in affordable housing in Cass Lake. Minnesota Housing, the state’s housing finance agency, selected the development in Cass Lake to receive funding after a competitive statewide application process.

“Greater Minnesota is an area in consistent need of affordable workforce housing to continue to reach our regions full economic potential,” said Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids). “I’m pleased to see the project in Cass Lake receive this much-needed funding boost, so we can provide viable housing options for tribal members who often live in overcrowded homes and frequently pay more than 50% of their income for housing. In addition to lowering the burden for these families, this project will help develop a local workforce to support 100 new permeant jobs that will be available upon completion of a $50 million casino on the Leech Lake Reservation.”

In Cass Lake, the Leech Lake Homes VIII project will receive $7.67 million in funding to construct 30 single family rental homes with 2,3, and 4-bedroom units. The development will provide residents with tribal and supportive housing, helping low-income households and homeless households.

In total, Minnesota Housing awarded funding for more than 1,700 new and rehabilitated affordable housing units that will support more than 3,600 jobs and invest a total of $364 million in total development costs statewide.

Development selection summaries

Minnesota Housing press release