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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 .

On June 18, 2026, MMCDC hosted its annual meeting at Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center in Mahnomen. This meeting brought together community members, artists, staff and leadership for an evening centered on recent progress and future goals of the company.

The event began with a showcase from several Indigenous artists, whose work added a meaningful cultural presence and set a welcoming tone for the gathering. Prior to the meeting, MMCDC staff and board members had the opportunity to enjoy the artwork and even meet the artists behind each piece.

Prior to the meeting, guests were given a special opportunity to view Indigenous art. Artists lined the exterior of the event room and were able to present their art and answer questions. Results Driven Succuss

During the meeting, board members shared updates about overall growth. These updates were reinforced by a statistics-driven presentation from Julia Nelmark, President & CEO of MMCDC and White Earth Investment Initiative.

MMCDC President and White Earth Investment Initiative CEO Julia Nelmark presents company information at the annual meeting.

MMCDC was awarded $519,000 in NeighborWorks grants, reinforcing the organization’s strong partnerships and continued investment in community development. In addition, the planned Mahnomen multi-family housing development project received a significant Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award of $2.8 million in tax credits, contributing to a total estimated project value of $11 million.

VITA

The meeting also recognized a major milestone for the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, celebrating 20 years of service to the community. During that time, the program has prepared more than 10,000 tax returns and helped bring more than $18.8 million in federal refunds. This achievement reflects the dedication of staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to provide free, accurate tax preparation services.

The White Earth Tax Site celebrated 20 years of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at the annual meeting. Pictured are the 2026 staff and volunteers, joined by some former volunteers. Back Row (Left): Jodi Lunde, Amanda Hanson, Dorothy Heisler, Sue Trnka, Heather Anderson. Front Row (Left): Emma Mejia, Betty Ann King, Emma King, Carol Fabre, Doug Fabre. Departing Board Members

Additionally, Julia delivered a collective heartfelt thank you to outgoing board members Breanna Adams and Paul Ihle. Both were thanked for their years of dedication and leadership, which have played an important role in MMCDC’s continued success.

It was announced that Heather Perry of Becker County and Delray Sparby of Pennington County were elected by membership to the board. Also, Maria Lindstrom of Hubbard County and Mark Finstad of Polk County were reelected.

The board approved its slate of officers for the coming year at the board meeting preceding the annual meeting. They are Lori Guenther, chair; Maria Lindstrom, vice chair; Heather Perry, secretary; and Scott Moser, treasurer.

We are closed in observation of Independence Day. See you Monday!

In partnership with NeighborWorks America, we are celebrating NeighborWorks Weeks alongside nearly 250 similar organizations nationwide. This year’s theme is “Creating Homes, Building America” — and we’re doing just that.

MMCDC’s programs help residents to achieve financial and housing stability, communities to revitalize aging neighborhoods, and small businesses to create jobs and tax base where they are most needed. MMCDC has served West Central and Northwest Minnesota and the Upper Midwest for 55 years.

NeighborWorks Weeks is a national celebration and recognition of network members across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Tribal lands that promote housing stability, financial capability and community investment.

NeighborWorks Weeks was first established in 1983 by a U.S. congressional resolution co-sponsored by nearly 250 members of Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan, recognizing the importance of community-based housing and neighborhood development.

NeighborWorks America has nearly 50 years of impact. Chartered by Congress in 1978, NeighborWorks America provides grants, training and partnerships to its network members to help create safe, affordable housing and promote community well-being.

In fiscal year 2025, NeighborWorks America and its network delivered:

$11.64 billion in total investment across the country

17,600 homeowners created

11,400 homeowners with preserved homes

66,900 homes repaired

216,800 rental homes provided

11,500 rental homes constructed, acquired or preserved

102,900 customers counseled and/or educated on housing and financial capability

16,100 professional training certificates issued to affordable housing and community development practitioners

48,700 jobs created and supported in communities across America

$74 leveraged for every $1 in congressional appropriation

Pictured below are the network’s accomplishments in Minnesota in fiscal year 2025.

 

 

We have affordable rentals for independent seniors and individuals with documented disabilities! The Pine Villa Apartments in Menahga, Minn., feature 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments plus a community room on the main floor. Most units include a walk-in shower.

Pine Villa provides affordable rental housing for income-qualified households. The property is designated for independent seniors and individuals who qualify under applicable disability program requirements. All applicants are considered in accordance with Fair Housing laws and established eligibility criteria. For more information on Pine Villa, call 218-847-5641.

To learn more about the application process and other details about our housing program, start at our Affordable Rental Housing page.

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, 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, at left. Main level lobby, Graystone Hotel.

 

 

Eleventh Avenue Apartments offers secure, well-maintained housing near the Detroit Lakes Middle School and Roosevelt Elementary School. Currently we have a 3-bedroom unit for rent. All units are income-restricted. This family-friendly neighborhood also is located near a bike trail, dental services, a church, and the Head Start and Boys and Girls Club locations. Go to the Rental Housing page for other details.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for your interest; this space is no longer available.

Open your business in downtown Detroit Lakes, Minn.! The office at 119 Graystone Plaza, Suite 106, is available for rent. Visible from Highway 10, the office is within walking distance of a post office, courthouse, chamber of commerce, library, grocery store, restaurants, shopping and other amenities, as well as recreational, arts and cultural opportunities. A city parking lot is just a block away!

The office is located on the main floor of The Graystone Hotel and is in the northwest corner of the building. It features oversized windows, high ceilings, and historic tile flooring in the main area. A private break room is attached. 

The adjacent lobby offers ample space for client waiting along with publicly accessible restrooms off the downstairs lobby, which is served by an elevator and stairs. Parking access is complimentary and available on and off street.

This building is locally managed by MMCDC, which has offices across the lobby. Call our rental management office at 218-847-5641 for more information or a showing. 

(This opportunity was previously posted as a limited-term rental. It is now available for an extended term.)

The office can be accessed directly from the street or from the lobby. Lobby entries are available at both the front and the rear of the building and are open to the public during office hours.

 

 

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has named Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation (MMCDC) a New Markets Tax Credit allocatee in its most recent round.

We look forward to using this new $75 million allocation to drive more investment into communities that lack access to capital, including rural and Native Areas in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.” — MMCDC President Julia Nelmark

The New Markets Tax Credit recently was made a permanent part of the U.S. tax code.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the One Big Beautiful Bill made the NMTC program permanent,” Treasury Secretary Scott K.H. Bessent said in a press release. “Investors, businesses, and communities now have the long-term certainty they need to plan ahead…” 

In its publications, Treasury notes the program leverages tax incentives with additional private financing to make flexible loans and investments available at attractive rates and terms in communities in need of revitalization. The program has garnered strong bipartisan support.

MMCDC is a prior recipient of the program, with significant experience directing New Markets Tax Credit investments to a wide range of manufacturing, health care and community facilities. It was an early adopter of the Small Loan Fund model, which helps extend the program’s benefits to projects – including small, rural businesses and communities — for which the financing might otherwise be unaffordable and inaccessible.

Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation is a private nonprofit company providing commercial and home mortgage lending, as well as housing, business and community development services throughout Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond. It also is the parent company of a reservation-focused community development company. MMCDC is based in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

MMCDC President Julia Nelmark

 

Not everyone is ready to buy, and that’s okay. In this episode of The Community Effect, we sit down with Rick Guzman, Executive Director of The Neighbor Project, to explore how rental housing can become a pathway to financial empowerment. The Neighbor Project’s Breakthrough Rental program challenges the idea that renting is a dead end. Instead, it helps families build credit, reduce debt, and save for a down payment; transforming affordable units into stepping stones toward long-term stability and homeownership.

Hear More Episodes