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The Home Ownership for Me Down-payment Loan program is available in Becker County.

This second-mortgage loan is available to qualified buyers for purchase of a home as their primary residence. There are no monthly payments and no interest on the loan, but it must be repaid when the home is sold or at the maturity of the first mortgage.

A loan is available to households who are employed and reside in Becker County and who meet income guidelines. Guidelines for family sizes of 1-4 are below – larger families also are eligible.

Household size

80% AMI

Loan Amount

115% SMI

Loan Amount

1 Person

$46,700

Up to $5,000

$104,000

Up to $3,000

2 Person

$53,350

Up to $5,000

$104,000

Up to $3,000

3 Person

$60,000

Up to $5,000

$119,600

Up to $3,000

4 Person

$66,650

Up to $5,000

$119,600

Up to $3,000

The program is being operated by Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC). In order to receive a HOMe loan, buyers must qualify for and receive a first mortgage through MMCDC or another source, such as local banks. Income limits are updated annually, based upon federal income guidelines.

“To help ensure long-term success, all HOMe borrowers participate in free homebuyer education and housing counseling,” MMCDC President Julia Nelmark said.

The effort started with participation in a Housing Institute offered by Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP), a statewide affordable housing nonprofit. Home Ownership for Me resulted from their discussions, which focused in part on housing needs of the Becker County workforce.

“The Homeownership for Me program is a perfect example of how local stakeholders can work collaboratively to address housing needs in their community,” said Barbara Dolan, MHP Deputy Director, Community Development.

Participants in the Minnesota Housing Partnership Housing Institute in Detroit Lakes included the Becker County Economic Development Authority, Essentia Health, the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mahube-Otwa Community Action Partnership, the City of Frazee, the City of Detroit Lakes, Midwest Bank, Detroit Lakes Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and MMCDC. Funding providers have included Becker County EDA, Detroit Lakes Development Authority, City of Frazee, Essentia Health, BTD and Arvig.

For an application, click here to go to the HOMe page .

U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach and State Rep. Jim Joy visited MMCDC’s offices July 31 to discuss rural business development, revitalization and affordable housing.

MMCDC’s Julia Nelmark and Tim Swenson shared the company’s experience in utilizing the federal New Markets Tax Credit, the Low-income Housing Tax Credit, NeighborWorks America funding, and other programs to support rural areas in need of reinvestment.

U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach and State Rep. Jim Joy, both at right, met with MMCDC’s President Julia Nelmark and Vice President of New Markets Tax Credit Financing Tim Swenson on Thursday, July 31, in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

The visit took place at the Historic Graystone Hotel in Detroit Lakes, Minn., which was redeveloped using the Low-income Housing Tax Credit and other programs. Today it houses several for-profit and nonprofit offices, including MMCDC’s, as well as affordable apartments.

Congresswoman Fischbach (R-Minnesota) represents the state’s Seventh Congressional District and Rep. Joy (R-Hawley) represents House District 4B in the Minnesota Legislature; both districts encompass Detroit Lakes and other rural communities.

 

MMCDC is accepting applications for its downtown Detroit Lakes, Minn., rental units. All units are income-restricted, and rent is all-inclusive.

Situated at Detroit Lakes’ primary downtown intersection, the Graystone Hotel and Graystone Annex are convenient to local shopping, offices, restaurants and off-street parking.

Both buildings have secured entrances, elevators and coin-operated laundry service on each floor. For information click on Rental Housing, or call 218-847-5641.

Graystone Annex, center, Graystone Hotel, right, Detroit Lakes, Minn. Apartments are located on the upper two floors. Graystone Hotel, Detroit Lakes, Minn. Apartments are located on the upper two floors. Rear view of Graystone Annex apartment, left. Main level lobby, Graystone Hotel apartment.

 

 

New board members were welcomed to MMCDC at its June 19, 2025, annual meeting, held at the Holiday Inn in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Mark Andersen, Scott Moser and Bryan Ramsrud were elected by mailed ballot to replace three board members, who are exiting due to term limits. The three will represent Hubbard County, Red Lake County and Clearwater County, Minn., respectively.

MMCDC President Julia Nelmark, center, with MMCDC Board Members (l to r) Mark Anderson, Bryan Ramsrud, Jeff Haukebo, Les Liljedahl, Gary Thibert and Scott Moser.

The new board-elected officers are Chair Lori Guenther, representing Mahnomen County; Vice Chair Maria Lindstrom, representing Hubbard County; and Secretary-Treasurer Breanna Adams, representing Becker County. 

Board Chair Gary Thibert of Red Lake County, Treasurer Jeff Haukebo of Hubbard County, and Lending Committee Chair Les Liljedahl of Clearwater County exited the board after serving in key leadership roles during their nine years of service. Haukebo was Chair of MMCDC’s Audit Committee, and Thibert previously served as Vice Chair; both also were longtime members of the Executive / Personnel Committee. Liljedahl previously served as Real Estate Committee Chair.

MMCDC President Julia Nelmark recognized the retirement of longtime White Earth Investment Initiative (WEII) Board Secretary Dean Johnson, Mahnomen. WEII is a subsidiary of MMCDC and is headquartered on the White Earth Reservation. The MMCDC Board of Directors approved Gary Frazer of Cass Lake as a member of the White Earth Board of Directors.

Pianist Leah Grace Wright provided entertainment during the event.

New townhomes proposed by Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation have won the support of several development partners.

MMCDC President and CEO Julia Nelmark

Minnesota Housing, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, the City of Mahnomen, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, the Minnesota Housing Partnership, and NeighborWorks America have provided early or conditional commitments of various types of support – including tax credits, grants, in-kind services, and property — for the planned development in Mahnomen, Minn.

MMCDC’s fundraising efforts are still underway, but if successful, will lead to construction of 24 two- and three-bedroom units with attached garages. The units will be income-restricted.

 “Low-income housing tax credit developments such as this often require years to bring to fruition,” MMCDC President Julia Nelmark said. “We want to express our gratitude to all those organizations whose support has been essential for us to reach this point. Thank you!”

NeighborWorks America is proud to support MMCDC in bringing much-needed affordable housing to Mahnomen. This project highlights how the power of partnership can create sustainable impact in rural communities. And announcing this progress during NeighborWorks Week is especially meaningful, as they celebrate alongside more than 180 other network members, collectively honoring our shared commitment to creating homes and building America.” — Deletta Dean, Regional Vice President, Midwest Region 

The City of Mahnomen is located within Mahnomen County and, at roughly 1,200 people, is the largest city on the White Earth Reservation in rural Minnesota. It is home to a tribal hotel, casino and event center that offers significant employment opportunities to the region; it also has a local school system, a tribal and community college, medical facilities, and more.

Modern rental housing with a patio, dishwasher, in-unit laundry hook-ups and attached garage is open in Blackduck, Minn.

Blackduck Townhomes is income-restricted, and housing vouchers are accepted. There is a playground area outside. Tenants pay heating and electricity costs, including air conditioning. The landlord pays garbage, water and sewer costs.

Located just east of Blackduck Lake, the City of Blackduck is a quiet community featuring a scenic trail system, municipal golf course, campground, local school system, its own police and fire department, and a medical clinic. it is surrounded by state and national forest lands, but also within commuting distance to jobs in Bemidji and on the Leech Lake and Red Lake Reservations. 

Call 218-847-5641 for information.

A Blackduck Townhomes patio

 

A local furniture store has set up a display inside MMCDC’s model home for sale. The home is located at 722 Lincoln Ave., Wadena, in the 10-lot Whispering Pines development.

There is a living room suite, kitchen table and chairs, and bedroom set, along with mirrors, plants and more. All furniture is available for sale from Smith Furniture, Wadena.

Click here to learn more about the home and see the photos.

 

 

 

Summerplace has an affordable, three-bedroom apartment available immediately in New York Mills, Minn.

Summerplace is an income-restricted, eight-unit building in a quiet neighborhood near a public playground. All utilities except electricity are included in the monthly rent, and renters have access to a garage and a coin-operated laundry. Units are two- and three-bedrooms. Housing vouchers are accepted.

New York Mills is conveniently located along US Highway 10 and includes a modern school building; thriving arts community; a library; its own police and fire department; its own water, sewer and natural gas utilities; and the beautifully restored city ballroom.  It also is home to a large manufacturer and a medical clinic.

For information on renting Summerplace, call 218-847-5641.

 

In this episode of The Community Effect, Marietta Rodriguez talks with Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of Beyond Housing, about the power of community partnerships in revitalizing St. Louis and Pagedale, Missouri. From affordable housing and education to local banking and food access, they explore how trust, innovation and long-term investment can drive measurable and lasting change.

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“Innovating for Impact” explores how corporate-nonprofit partnerships fuel economic growth and housing equity. Guest Courtney Howard Hodapp of JPMorgan Chase joins host Marietta Rodriguez to discuss the trust, innovation and collaboration that define this 20-year partnership. Learn how intentional partnerships can drive meaningful change.  

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