The Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) is speaking out about proposed federal budget cuts that could put housing stability at risk for thousands of Minnesotans — including many in Carver County.
More than 100,000 households across Minnesota rely on federal rental assistance to afford a safe, stable place to live, according to a CDA press release. These include seniors, families with children, veterans and people with disabilities.
But a proposed 43% cut in the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget could displace up to 40,000 families statewide, pushing many into homelessness and overwhelming local support systems, the CDA reports.
“Rental assistance is not just a housing issue — it’s a community issue,” said Allison Streich, executive director of the Carver County CDA. “When families lose their homes, it affects our schools, our workforce and our local economy. We must protect this vital support.”
The Local Impact
In Carver County and across Greater Minnesota, rental assistance helps residents:
- Live near their jobs and schools
- Stay connected to family and community
- Avoid homelessness and housing instability
Yet only one in four eligible households receives assistance, and the average wait time in Minnesota exceeds two years.
Key Facts from the Report:
- 101,000 Minnesota households receive rental assistance.
- Average household income: less than $18,500/year
- Families contribute 30% of income toward rent.
- Rental assistance reduces homelessness by 75% and housing instability by 80%.
Even a 1% cut could displace more than 1,000 families — a burden that would fall heavily on local agencies, shelters and hospitals.
Call to Action
The Carver County CDA joins the Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) and Minnesota NAHRO in urging Congress to:
- Fully fund all HUD and USDA rental assistance renewals in the FY26 budget
- Oppose any cuts that would destabilize families and communities
“This is a smart, proven investment in our people and our future,” Streich said. “We call on our elected officials to stand with Minnesota families and protect rental assistance. Rental assistance helps Minnesotans live near work, care for family, and stay housed. Cuts will push families into crisis. Please protect this smart investment in stable homes and strong communities.”
For the full report: https://mhponline.org/new-report-rental-assistance-keeps-over-100000-minnesotans-housed-cuts-threaten-stability/
