News & Information

by Kelly Wilkens

Minnesota Housing’s Board of Directors approved an award of $2,686,500 in Publicly Owned Housing Program (POHP) funding to the Jackson Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). This funding will be used to replace windows, siding, and roofs on 24 housing units across 21 buildings in Jackson, Minnesota. The Jackson HRA had previously applied for POHP funding and was unsuccessful. For their second attempt, the HRA looked to CEDA’s Grants Department to help. “CEDA made it so easy for me. I felt very supported and in the loop the whole time. It was incredible working with them,” said Linda Loewen, Executive Director of the Jackson HRA. The homes receiving the improvements were built in the early 1970s and many of them still have all of the original windows, roofs, and siding. Now over 50 years old, these elements are in dire need of replacement. Not only will the improvements make these homes safer, they will improve the energy efficiency of each home, lowering utility costs. “To be able to do what needs to be done for sustainability and low-income housing, the longevity will be there,” Loewen shared. “To be able to add that for our community, for 24 families to feel safe and secure in their homes, I am beyond ecstatic.” Work is expected to start in the spring as soon as the weather allows and be completed in fall 2026. “We enjoy working on these types of grants,” said Allison Wagner, CEDA’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “Housing is a big need everywhere, especially in rural communities. Being able to get funding for projects like this, to sustain the housing already in a community, is amazing. It will have a lasting impact for Jackson.” If your community would like to learn more about how the CEDA Grants Department can assist projects in your community, contact Hillary Tweed at hillary.tweed@cedausa.com