Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Hennepin County is committed to reducing disparities that separate our residents who are thriving from those who are not. Our approach to making a long-term impact and improving life outcomes focuses on seven interconnected domains which includes housing. A safe and affordable home is the foundation on which our residents build healthy lives and contribute to their communities. That reality remains out of reach for many: 73,660 Hennepin County households have incomes below 30% of the area median, and only 14,192 housing units are affordable to them. Intentionally developing affordable housing is critical to ensure that we are reducing disparities in housing, health, and income. In late 2020, Hennepin County acquired 4 properties to temporarily move people at highest risk of complications from COVID-19 out of congregate shelters. The long-term goal was to transition the properties to permanent single room occupancy (SRO) housing units with rents affordable to adults’ experiencing homelessness who have low-wage jobs or fixed incomes. In this program model, the County’s HRA owns the properties, and enters into facility lease and management agreements with operators that will have the legal responsibilities of a landlord. Rents are expected to range from $375 per month for units with shared kitchens and baths to $550 per month for units with their own baths and kitchenettes. This program model presents an opportunity to provide independent housing to people experiencing homelessness who can afford modest rents, and to reduce burdens on our homeless response system.