VII.2. Emergency Rental Assistance – ICA; Elverum
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2026-015
To: Honorable Chair and Board Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Kersten Elverum, Director of Planning & Development
Date: February 2, 2026
Subject: Emergency Rental Assistance - ICA
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO approve $50,000 in Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) for emergency
rental assistance and support for Intercongregation Communities Association (ICA) and
authorize staff to enter into an agreement for services.
OVERVIEW
ICA administers a food shelf, housing assistance and jobs programs that serve the
Hopkins’ community. Over the past several years, ICA has seen a significant increase
in the need for their services. Much of the need for emergency rental assistance was
met through Covid-19 pandemic dollars from the State and Hennepin County, but those
funds are no longer available. Hennepin County does still have some rental assistance
funds available but not enough to meet the current need.
The City of Hopkins began receiving LAHA funds from the State of Minnesota in 2025
and has received $641,916 in LAHA funds to date. While the City of Hopkins is in the
process of hiring a consultant to advise on the most impactful use of LAHA and Housing
Trust Fund dollars, the need for housing assistance is at a critical stage and cannot wait
for the study to be completed. Staff recommends an allocation of $50,000 to serve
Hopkins’ families for up to 3 months per eligible household. With this action, it is
estimated that between 10 and 30 Hopkins’ households will be assisted.
Providing temporary rental assistance to households with low and moderate income
provides housing and family stability for our residents.
Planning & Economic
Development