Safe, Stable, & Dignified Housing

Urban Homeworks is now Housing in Action

Housing in Action is leading the fight for housing justice by creating dignified, affordable rental and homeownership opportunities. Through advocacy and community engagement, we're co-create trusting relationships and strong communities that have the power to transform their neighborhoods.

Current Residents→ Future Residents →

We seek to create a world where there is housing justice for ALL.

A safe, dignified, and affordable home is the foundation from which everyone thrives. Housing in Action builds more than houses—we build community, hope, and opportunity for those most harmed by our current housing system.

Three individuals engage in a meaningful conversation inside a building being constructed to promote dignified, affordable housing in the Twin Cities. The person on the left gestures confidently while discussing plans for equitable living spaces, exemplifying empowerment and housing justice. The other two participants listen attentively, smiling as they hold documents reflecting their shared commitment to advancing community equity. Behind them, exposed walls with visible insulation symbolize the ongoing progress toward building strong community connections and sustainable futures.

Make an Immediate Impact

Your gift of any size today can make a life-changing difference. Together, we can create lasting change and build a future where every family has the stability they deserve.

In a brightly lit hallway, three individuals stand together, radiating positivity and unity. The person in the center holds a vibrant yellow sign depicting a house with the words "START WITH HOME," symbolizing their advocacy for dignified, affordable housing in the Twin Cities. While two wear jackets, the central figure dons a mask, underscoring their shared dedication to advancing community equity and empowering residents through equitable housing solutions.

Help us Fight for Housing Justice

Join our community and be the first to hear about events, policies, and opportunities to make a difference in your community. Only together can we continue turning hope into action and build communities where everyone has a place to call home.

In the heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul, a woman empowered with safety glasses skillfully operates a miter saw, embodying the spirit of housing justice. A man stands beside her, fostering community connection through active participation and support. Together, they contribute to building dignified and affordable homes on this sunny day, surrounded by grass, a tree, and parked cars—a testament to advancing equity in their vibrant community.

Events and Opportunities to Serve

Our events create in-person connections, opportunities to see our work in action and learn more about housing injustice, and chances to get to know your neighbors more.

Upcoming Events

Building Equity

Centering Community

Reclaiming Home

Building Equity

Housing in Action has built 113 homes since our founding in 1995.

75 were HIA renovated homes
38 were HIA new builds
6 more homes are currently in development (4 new builds, 2 rehabs)

Centering Community

Housing in Action provides dignified rental homes for neighbors predominantly at or below 50-60% of the area median income (AMI).

89% of households are BIPOC-led
53% have been stably housed for over 2 years
79% of residents are families with children
30% are formerly unhoused

Reclaiming Home

Housing in Action advocates for equitable housing policies, consistently engaging our community in housing justice.

Organizes opportunities to speak directly with legislators
Hosts neighborhood meetings, healing circles, and peacekeeping
Provides community-centered education opportunities and materials
Amplifies resident voices for systemic change

A Housing Crisis That Requires Immediate Action

There is a pressing need for equitable and affordable housing solutions.

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood in the Twin Cities, highlighting an array of homes committed to providing dignified and affordable housing. Sparse leaves adorn the trees, symbolizing growth and community connection. Cars parked along the street support accessibility and empowerment for all residents, while a small shed in one yard reflects resourcefulness and care within this equitable neighborhood.

1950’s

Black homeownership in Minnesota peaked in 1950, and the gap between Black and white homeowners has more than doubled since.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

36,040

There are only 36,040 affordable rental homes for the 101,930 extremely low-income renter households in the Twin Cities region.

Source: Minnesota Housing Partnership

$48,000

A typical home in a majority-Black neighborhood is undervalued by $48,000, reducing the total wealth of homeowners in Black neighborhoods by $156 billion.

Source: The Brookings Institution

100%

100% of these issues can be solved when people stand up and fight for housing justice.

See Ways To Give

Building Homes

Housing in Action is working to close the racial gap in homeownership by developing high-quality, energy-efficient rehabilitations and new constructions in Minneapolis to be sold at affordable rates to low- and middle-income, first-time buyers.

Dignified Rentals

Housing in Action owns 111 affordable rental units that are home to over 350 individuals predominantly at or below 50-60% of the area median income (AMI) in North and South Minneapolis.

Homeownership Pathways

Housing in Action’s builds opportunities for residents and fellow Northsiders to achieve their homeownership goals, whether in purchasing a home, securing downpayment assistance, better understanding the process, or improving their credit score.

Connected Communities

HIA co-creates communities where trust among neighbors is high, connections are strong, and historically silenced voices are amplified and heard to transform their neighborhoods.

A dignified, two-story blue house with white trim stands proudly under a clear sky in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, symbolizing community empowerment and housing justice. It features a welcoming front porch and is surrounded by vibrant green grass and trees, fostering connection with nature. To the right, another similar home represents our commitment to providing affordable housing for all residents.

Three individuals stand together in a welcoming community space, characterized by white cabinets and a vending machine. The person on the left proudly wears a Vikings hoodie, symbolizing their strong connection to the Minneapolis-St. Paul community. Next to them, an individual dressed in a white shirt and jeans radiates casual confidence. The person on the right, wearing a green shirt and black jacket while holding a drink, embodies the spirit of camaraderie and empowerment that Housing in Action fosters through dignified and affordable housing solutions.

A dignified and affordable rental home in Minneapolis-St. Paul, this two-story house embodies community equity with its blend of dark gray and red siding, accented by empowering white trim. The welcoming front porch features a white door that opens to housing justice for all. Surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky, the neatly paved walkway symbolizes the path to community connection and your new home.

A passionate advocate for affordable housing stands in an unfinished room, energetically discussing Housing in Action's mission. With a beard and wearing a t-shirt and name tag, they hold a tablet while gesturing about the importance of dignified, affordable homes. The background shows insulation and wooden studs, symbolizing progress towards community equity and empowerment in the Twin Cities.

A community member paints vibrant words such as "JOY," "compassion," and "resilience" on outdoor concrete steps, symbolizing the journey toward dignified, affordable housing and community equity in the Twin Cities. A cup rests on one of the steps, while a blue railing provides steadfast support along the way.

A man wearing a blue and green beanie speaks passionately into a microphone while seated at a table in Minneapolis-St. Paul with community members. A young child in blue sits nearby, highlighting the importance of intergenerational dialogue. The casual setting, adorned with framed photos, reflects the collaborative efforts toward dignified, affordable housing and advancing community equity in the Twin Cities.

Aerial view of a sustainable residential property in the Twin Cities, featuring solar panels on the roof. Two vehicles are parked in the driveway, with tree-shaded yards reflecting community connection and empowerment. Nearby homes illustrate our commitment to dignified and affordable housing for all.

Three community members collaborate on a construction project in Minneapolis-St. Paul, reflecting a shared commitment to dignified and affordable housing. One person skillfully operates a circular saw on a wooden board, wearing safety goggles and a cap, while the others provide support by holding the board steady, all wearing protective gear. Their teamwork embodies empowerment and housing justice in action. A van is parked in the background, representing mobility and connection within the community.

A smiling individual in a red t-shirt sits on a sofa, surrounded by the welcoming decor of an equitable housing-themed living room. The space, filled with lush plants and illuminated by soft light through the window, exudes warmth and community connection. A table in the foreground completes this inviting setting that reflects Housing in Action’s mission for dignified and affordable homes.

A man stands proudly in an office, holding a large key-shaped sign that reads "Just Closed!" with a contact number. Behind him, a world map symbolizes global unity, while a basket on the table signifies community care. His smile embodies the triumph of securing dignified and affordable housing, reflecting Housing in Action’s commitment to empowerment and housing justice in the Twin Cities.

What People Are Saying

Ethropic “E” Burnett

Ethropic “E” Burnett

HIA Homebuyer

"My mortgage is cheaper than what they’re charging right now for a one-bedroom [rental]! …. " Read More

Julius Rennie

HIA Volunteer

"I continue to work with [HIA] because of a particular dedication they hold towards the participants in their program. Simply put; there’s a sincerity within those ranks that’s not always easy to find and is worth valuing and contributing towards" Read More

Terry Becker

HIA Donor & Former Board Chair

"The work [HIA] is currently doing is so important and so needed; getting all the voices of residents heard by policymakers. Who knows better than [HIA] what needs to be done? . " Read More

Jackie Martin

HIA Resident

"Having stable housing means everything. You really can’t move around in life without it. It’s your pillar, it’s your stabilization, it’s where you can feel safe, where you can raise your children. "

Amber Buck

HIA Homebuyer

"It’s the little things that I didn’t realize were occupying my brain because I’m a renter. I’ve never painted a wall before. When my kids are loud, I’m used to shushing them. I don’t have to do that anymore. . . . " Read More

Corey Williams

HIA Resident

"Being a part of the [HIA] community has brought peace to my family and I. My rent is affordable. I’m able to pay rent, bills, and still live. It’s a blessing. [HIA] gave me a chance when I was straightening my life out. . . " Read More

Ta’Nia Washington

Ta’Nia Washington

HIA Homeownership Access Fund Recipient

"A stable, affordable home grants me the gifts of security, belonging, and empowerment. It creates a sense of community and lays the groundwork for my family's dreams and aspirations. . . . . " Read More