USDA Section 515 properties — and the people who call them home — are at risk. 

Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals and families live in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 5 51515 rental properties, a crucial source of affordable housing in rural communities. However, these vital homes are at risk.

As USDA Rural Development loans for these properties expire, more and more buildings are exiting the Section 515 program. Exiting properties may lose rental assistance funding, and some properties are no longer required to keep rents affordable — meaning tenants could face eviction or homelessness.We simply can’t afford to lose these homes. Learn more from our 515 Fact Sheet.

MHP’s Technical Assistance for USDA Section 515 Transfers 

MHP’s experienced technical assistance staff can help nonprofits, public housing agencies, and other entities purchase USDA Section 515 properties and ensure they remain affordable to rural households. MHP will assist organizations in successfully navigating the USDA transaction, from reaching out to the current owner to property inspection and more. 

To learn more about MHP’s technical assistance, contact Jill Henrickson, Community Development Manager, at Jill.Henricksen [at] mhponline.org 

See our one-pager describing our technical assistance services here. 

Graphic by Kia Lee (Graphic Designer)

Learn More about Section 515

The USDA Section 515 Program and the Challenge of Preserving Affordable Housing in Greater Minnesota (April 2022)

This research effort was a multi-year collaboration between the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), Housing Justice Center, and Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP). This report report examines the challenges of preserving housing enrolled in USDA’s Section 515 Program. Read the report here.

515 Properties: Preserving Affordable Rental Housing in Rural Communities (January 2021)

This report describes important affordable rural rental properties across Minnesota and the people who live there. These properties have been financed under the USDA’s Section 515 program. Read the report here.

Rural Rental Housing: Report and Recommendations (April 2020)

This report identifies challenges to preservation of rural rental housing and solutions developed by community members that live and work in Greater Minnesota. The report highlights needs and solutions for USDA Rural Development 515 properties. Read the report here.