News & Updates
This page contains the latest content we have posted. If you are looking for a specific resource or reference, check out our Resource Library. If you are looking for information about our work on a specific topic, you can look on the Our Work page.
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HJC recognizes and reflects on Fair Housing Month
54 years ago this month, the Fair Housing Act was passed, prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, and gender. The Act was later amended to include familial status and disability. Upon signing the historic legislation, President Lyndon B. Johnson noted the beginning of a new era, where fair housing for all would become “a part of the American way of life.” But are we there yet?
HJC’s guide to RentHelpMN appeals
If you’ve found your way to this web page, it’s likely because you’ve recently been denied the emergency rental assistance you applied for through RentHelpMN. While that is frustrating news, you still have an option to appeal your denial of benefits, and Housing...

HJC welcomes Tram Hoang as Director of Policy and Research
Housing Justice Center is delighted to announce Tram Hoang as its new Director of Policy and Research. Tram was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and her community development perspectives are heavily shaped by the gentrification and displacement she witnessed growing up in North Portland…

RentHelpMN application portal closure leaves Minnesotans in need, communities of color disproportionately harmed
We are concerned that RentHelpMN is closed to application as many Minnesotans remain in dire need, in the dead of winter, with a continuing COVID-19 pandemic. We urge the Governor and Legislature to appropriate funds for emergency housing assistance to ensure housing stability for Minnesota families; without continued funding, the number of Minnesotans facing displacement, eviction, and even homelessness will escalate…
HJC in the News
7/5/22 — MN Reformer
Tenants say landlords are skirting St. Paul rent control with new utility charges
7/1/22 — KYMN Radio
Viking Terrace residents uneasy, apprehensive over management change
4/29/22 — CBS Minnesota
St. Paul rent control ordinance kicks in Sunday, capping increases at 3%
4/25/22 — MinnPost
3/1/22 — Star Tribune
Brooklyn Center tenants sue landlord over expired license, discriminatory practices
2/28/22 — CCX Media
Brooklyn Park nonprofit makes plea for emergency rental assistance
2/23/22 — MyVillager
Rent control ordinance’s 3% cap will work best without any exemptions
1/28/22 — CBS Minnesota
11/26/21 — Star Tribune
Rent escrow requirement prevents tenants from challenging poor living conditions, lawyers say
11/17/21 — Minnesota Reformer
St. Paul rent control advocates push back on ‘disaster narratives’ as developers rethink projects
9/14/21 — Star Tribune
State owns failure to get aid to renters
7/20/21 — Star Tribune
Renting can be tough for reformed gang members
5/25/21 — MPR News
Tenants worry and landlords fume over eviction ban
4/29/21 — Minnesota Reformer
Where is the rental assistance?
4/5/21 — CapRadio
Nixing single-family zoning: will it make housing more affordable?
3/31/21 — Minnesota Spokesman Recorder
Wilder Foundation charged with selling out its mission
3/30/21 — Minnesota Reformer
St. Paul residents launch rent stabilization campaign to cap increases at 3%
3/30/21 — KARE 11
St. Paul group aims to put rent control on ballot
12/8/20 — Star Tribune
Landlords go to court to fight Gov. Walz’s eviction moratorium
5/12/20 — Star Tribune
Minnesota legal advocates race to prepare for eviction court in COVID-19 world
2/23/20 — Pioneer Press
Karen teen outreach leads to neighborhood complaint against St. Paul landlord