Building Equity. Centering Community. Reclaiming Home. Urban Homeworks the logo for UHW's podcast Listen Now Stability Maker, 25 for $5,000 with the Urban Homeworks logo and a button to give Join the Campaign! Signup and learn more!

About Us

Our Mission:
The mission of Urban Homeworks is to perpetuate the hope of Jesus Christ through innovative community development.

Our Vision:
Neighbors raising their collective voices to address injustice and overcome the barriers that perpetuate inequity.

 

Our work, and the mindset by which we do it, is modeled after the example of brazen, unapologetic social justice left by Jesus. We seek to perpetuate the hope of Jesus in solidarity with self-determined and self-defined people and communities, leveraging housing equity as a platform for change. We invite people of all spiritual and religious beliefs, genders, orientations, abilities, cultural and class identities to join us in this fight. Black, Indigenous, and other POC are highly encouraged to get involved.

UHW transforms condemned, underutilized, and neglected properties into safe, dignified rental or homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income—primarily BIPOC—households. Using housing as a platform to combat racial wealth gaps and create broader social change, UHW works to build community between neighbors, businesses, and contractors in South and North Minneapolis and the Frogtown Neighborhoods in St. Paul. By addressing the issues residents face inside and outside the home with community-centric care, UHW helps neighbors build the stable foundation needed to further overcome the barriers that perpetuate inequity and make their dreams a reality.

 

Stolen Land/Stolen Labor Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we live our lives and do our work on land that European colonizers stole from the Dakota peoples indigenous to Minnesota. In order for this theft to occur, sadistic acts of genocide, rape, and forced assimilation were employed.

We also acknowledge that we live our lives and do our work on land that was cultivated and developed by bodies that European colonizers stole from West African countries through the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. In order to for these thefts to occur, sadistic acts of genocide, rape, and forced assimilation were employed.

We acknowledge what was taken from our collective human ancestors. As we do so, we commit to work and fight for the liberation of the descendants of those enslaved through American Chattel Slavery and the sovereignty of all Native American peoples.

average days in UHW equitable and stable homes
residents in UHW homes
new or revitalized homes sold
affordable homes for rent

What We Do

We Build Beautiful and Affordable Homes

 

Housing has been one of the primary ways that racialized wealth gaps have been maintained in our country’s history.  Our goal is to transform housing into a redemptive force not only for the resident or owner, but for the contractors, vendors, and individuals and businesses that benefit from the development and management of the housing we work with.

Our ultimate aim is dignified housing – housing that is both affordable and high quality, and includes a supportive network with a responsive landlord and resources from local community partners.

We Provide Dignified Rentals

 

Urban Homeworks provides quality rental  housing that is both affordable and dignified.  Our expertise is in small-scale, scattered site housing.  Partnerships with local social service organizations often add support to assist rental families in gaining greater stability. 

After careful evaluation we decided to bring in Property Solutions and Services as our third-party property management company. Beyond our properties, they manage 500+ units through Minneapolis and St Paul, have significant expertise in funder regulations (compliance), and experience working in the neighborhoods we’re located.Email rental@urbanhomeworks.org to be notified when vacancies become available.

 

 

**If you are a resident and have maintenance concerns, please reach Property Solutions and Services at the numbers below: 

UHW / PSS Maintenance Line: 612-598-6545

UHW / PSS EMERGENCY Line: 612-746-0400

 

Are you looking for housing?

Rental History
Positive and Verifiable rental history 12 months of the past 36 months   

Verifiable Gross Income
Required minimum monthly income of 2 ½ x monthly rent   

Pass Criminal Background Check
A record of no “adverse” criminal convictions for at least five years: an adverse criminal conviction or incarceration record is considered a history which would adversely affect the safety, well-being of residents, staff or which would adversely affect the viability of Urban Homeworks. Any record of any sexual offense, arson, or serious violent felonies; will automatically disqualify an applicant household.  

No Outstanding Utility Bills
You must have the ability to have utilities in your name where required

Looking to Own Your Next Home with Urban Homeworks?

Urban Homeworks transforms quality single-family homes, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, for purchase through a regular loan buying process. Houses available for sale include high-quality rehabs as well as new constructions.

Houses available for sale include high-quality rehabs as well as new construction, and are primarily restricted to buyers earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Email homeownership@urbanhomeworks.org to be notified when properties are listed for sale.
Urban Homeworks does not currently provide the following services:
  • Homeownership or financial counseling (contact the MN Homeownership Center to find a counselor and help with purchasing https://www.hocmn.org/buyingahome/),
  • Lease to purchase contract
  • Contracts for deed
We are developing programs for residents to directly or cooperatively purchase our small multi-family properties. If you are interested in receiving updates on properties for sale and the small multi-family ownership programs as they develop, sign-up for updates by contacting homeownership@urbanhomeworks.org.

    

Pre-qualifications for Prospective Buyers

Meet required income guidelines as defined in each property listing

City of Lakes Community Land Trust propertieshave additional application and qualification requirements

Typically agree to occupy the home as their primary residence for at least 5 years 

Geography

We focus  most of our homeownership projects on North Minneapolis and  Frogtown neighborhood in St. Paul .   These communities experienced high levels of vacancy and foreclosure rates during the great recession and have only recently started to recover property values.  

Reinvestment

As the housing market stabilizes and values appreciate in these areas, investors with a focus on profit are increasingly being drawn to purchase properties in these areas. Our goal is to facilitate community ownership in these properties before they are bought up by investors and to keep prices at an attainable purchase level for a variety of household sizes and incomes. 

Equity & Engagement

Urban Homeworks uses housing as a platform to catalyze powerful people in becoming change agents. We believe people are not beneficiaries of charity but actors in their own destiny. Families make homes, homes make neighbors and neighbors create community. 

We focus on both the physical structure of houses and the people  in the homes.  This is what we call People Oriented Development.  (POD)  

Leadership Council

Our POD Council, made from both Urban Homeworks’ residents and their neighbors, promotes leadership and civic engagement, This leadership cohort informs and drives our POD vision and activities. 

Activities

Social activities are essential to forming healthy and sustainable communities, in spaces where we have fun and build trust we gain the capacity to work together for the changes we seek in our community. 

Education

Educational opportunities are a key component, so renters and homeowners understand their rights and responsibilities in building a sustainable and equitable community.  We provide classes and training experiences in partnership with community collaborators.

Community Organizing

Our organizing activities take place in the context of a trusting environment where people can share stories and seek solutions.  This group then commits to act together in confronting injustice and seeking equity. 

contact us

 

    • 927 W Broadway Ave, Suite 301, Minneapolis, MN 55411
    • 612-724-9002

Property Solutions & Services (PSS) Property Management Office Address:

  • 927 W Broadway Ave, Suite 301, Minneapolis, MN 55411
    • Walk-In Hours are Mon, Wed, Fri | 10 am-3 pm.
    • Please call and make an appointment for times outside of walk-in hours 612-598-6545
  • UHW/PSS Maintenance Phone: 612-598-6545
  • UHW/PSS Emergency Maintenance Phone: 612-746-0400