The Edina Housing & Redevelopment Authority approved the distribution of $875,381 in Local Affordable Housing Aid funding across three programs during its Thursday meeting, while also launching a $1 million down payment assistance program for city employees.

The largest allocation, $581,881, will support the city's affordable ownership preservation program, which works with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Homes Within Reach to purchase and rehabilitate modest homes for resale to income-qualified buyers. Since 2021, the program has facilitated 22 home purchases at approximately $200,000 each, with three additional sales pending.

VEP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People) will receive $200,000 for emergency rental assistance, doubling last year's allocation. The nonprofit has served 654 Edina households since April 2020, primarily seniors and families with children earning below 50% of area median income. Housing Manager Stephanie Hawinson noted the organization faced staffing challenges and federal funding cuts that temporarily halted applications earlier this year.

Mount Olivet Rolling Acres received $93,500 for repairs to two residential facilities serving eight people with intellectual, developmental and mental health disabilities. The homes, acquired with assistance from the Edina Housing Foundation, require updates including deck reinforcement and safety improvements.

The authority also approved the Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program, providing up to $100,000 in deferred second mortgages to help healthcare workers, teachers, municipal employees and other city workers purchase homes up to $600,000. The program will be administered by the Edina Housing Foundation using $1 million from the Southdale TIF fund. Eligible participants must earn no more than 115% of area median income and work within city boundaries.