Our Story

HousingLink was established as a result of the 1995 Hollman v Cisneros Consent Decree, which sought improved housing conditions and greater locational choice for families participating in the Section 8 voucher and public housing programs. One provision of the decree stipulated that an affordable housing information “clearinghouse” be established to ensure that low- to moderate-income families have access to the affordable housing information they need. HousingLink was organized in 1997 as a 501(c)3 organization to meet this need, and we began providing vacancy information as well as training and support to housing service agencies.  Since that time, HousingLink has become the region’s primary source for affordable housing-related data, information and resources.

Are you curious to see how our website has evolved?  Click here to see what our original website looked like. After that site, we upgraded a bit to a new website. Click here to view our previous website design.

The mission of HousingLink is "to connect people and communities to information that supports the resolution of their affordable housing issues." HousingLink would like to see that "everyone has the information needed to obtain and keep safe, affordable housing." We do this by managing hList, an affordable housing vacancy listing service, which can be accessed by anyone. By using HousingLink resources, staff at human service agencies are able to assist renters with their housing-related issues. Landlords who own or maintain affordable housing rental units are also encouraged to use hList to list their vacant units. We also conduct research that is used by policymakers and research organizations to shape affordable housing policy.

What do you mean by affordable housing?
HousingLink uses the definition of "housing that costs no more than 30-40% of a family's annual income." This goes beyond programs like public housing to include a number of other types of rental housing.

Does HousingLink serve only low- to moderate-income renters?
No. HousingLink's website is used by low-to-moderate income renters to find housing that meets their needs.  HousingLink does not provide any housing search assistance, financial assistance or case management services.

Can someone call HousingLink for help?
While you are welcome to call our main number at 612.522.2500, HousingLink is an online service which provides valuable resources for renters, landlords, service agencies, policymakers and housing advocates.  We ask that you first check our website before calling the office.

Whom should I call for housing help then?
If someone needs one-on-one help, there are a number of service agencies throughout the area that can provide assistance. To identify an appropriate service agency, visit our links page for more information.