The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved $875,381 in Local Affordable Housing Aid funding Thursday, distributing the money across three programs to address housing needs in the city.

The largest allocation, $581,881, will support the 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 buyers including teachers, researchers and city employees.

VEP, a nonprofit organization serving the community for over 50 years, will receive $200,000 for emergency rental assistance. The funding doubles last year's allocation and will help Edina residents facing temporary financial hardships avoid eviction. Housing Manager Stephanie Hawinson noted the organization experienced staffing challenges and federal funding cuts that reduced services in 2025.

Mount Olivet Rolling Acres will receive $93,500 for repairs to two residential facilities serving people with disabilities. The homes, acquired with assistance from the Edina Housing Foundation, house approximately eight residents total and require updates to address safety concerns and structural improvements.

Separately, the HRA approved a $1 million Heroes Down Payment Assistance Program using Tax Increment Financing funds from the Southdale development. The program will provide up to $100,000 in deferred second mortgages to help healthcare workers, teachers, municipal employees and other city workers purchase homes in Edina. The Edina Housing Foundation will administer the program, similar to the existing Come Home to Edina initiative.