![](/images/spacer.gif) |
2000 Best Practice Awards
Program and Geographical Winners: Minnesota
Best Practice: Government on Display Exposition:
Mall of America 2000
Mall of America Exposition Displays Fair
Housing Booths Among Several Government Programs
Bloomington.
Under the direction of the Minnesota Federal Executive Board, more than
50 state and federal agencies provided displays, rotunda performances, military
demonstrations, seminars and other activities at the Mall of America in
February 2000. The event showcased the diverse range and high quality of
government programs in an exciting family-oriented display, offering more
than 350,000 citizens a chance to interact with government first-hand for
three days. It was the largest government event staged in a mall, thereby
using a venue that has become the nations town square. Combining a
festive atmosphere with a clearinghouse for information and services, the
exposition included the naturalization of 55 citizens, the unveiling of
a new national stamp, free tax assistance, small business seminars and entertainment.
The Minnesota U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office was
responsible for public affairs and promotion, the career fair and the coordination
of more than 30 displays, including its booth promoting fair housing and
homeownership. The project received the Hammer Award from Vice-President
Gore in its first year (1999), and its success continued this year with
increased participation by both agencies and citizens.
Contact: Raymond W. Morris, Phone: (612) 713-7200
Tracking Number: 2361
Winning Category: Geographical
Best Practice: Metro Housing Options -- Minneapolis/St.
Paul
Affordable Housing and Training Opportunities
Available for Section 8 Renters of the Twin Cities
Minneapolis.
Metro Housing Options is a collaborative of two nonprofit agencies and
three public housing authorities that assists Section 8 participants in
locating affordable housing in low-poverty neighborhoods that offer quality
housing, employment and education. Affordable housing is virtually non-existent
in the Twin Cities' metro area, and vacancy rates are extremely low. Many
of the vacant units are not an option for Section 8 participants because
rents are high or landlords do not accept Section 8 tenants. Further, many
landlords have misconceptions about Section 8 and low-income tenants. To
remedy this problem, outreach coordinators contacted more than 1,300 landlords,
more than 110 of who agreed to work with Metro-counseled families. These
landlords represent more than 12,000 rental units, including many that were
not previously available to Section 8 renters. Housing social workers provided
mobility counseling to 168 families, of which 59 used their Section 8 voucher
in low-poverty neighborhoods. In addition, many of these families improved
their credit and rental history, obtained employment or returned to school,
all steps towards self-sufficiency that may not have been taken without
the program.
Contact: Joel R. Salzer, Phone: (612) 879-5303
Tracking number: 1533
Winning Category: Geographical
Return
to Best Practices 2000 Program and Geographical Winners
Content Archived: April 20, 2011 |