The purpose of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 is to ensure that organizations that receive federal funding generate employment and other economic development opportunities for low-income persons. The MPHA is in the process of establishing a job bank consisting of eligible MPHA residents and other eligible individuals that we will refer to contractors and other vendors to assist them in meeting the employment and training goals established with the Section 3 regulations. MPHA is committed to seeing that employment opportunities are made available to our residents.

The following is the participant eligibility requirements for the Section 3 regulations. You must meet one of the criteria below, in priority order, to be eligible.

1. MPHA resident living in the site where work is being performed
2. MPHA resident
3. Participant in a HUD Youth Build Programs
4. Other persons residing in the City of Minneapolis whose family income does not exceed 80% of the median income for the metropolitan area

Please contact Leslie Woyee, Employment Coordinator, at 612-342-1404 for the current family income requirements and how to apply for this program.

NOTE: If you were a MPHA resident relocated from Sumner-Olson or Glenwood-Lyndale due to the Hollman Consent Decree, you will be given a higher Section 3 employment priority for work being done on the Near Northside site.

Step-Up is a two year apprenticeship program sponsored by the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council. MPHA residents, Section 8 participants and Section 3 residents who are interested in a career with the building trades can make an application to the Step-Up program. You can pursue a career in Site Prep, Carpentry, Floor and Wall, Specialty (e.g. electrical, plumbing, sheet metal), and Surface Treatment.

As a contractor, how do I participate?

Contractors who contract with MPHA are encouraged to provide Step-Up opportunities for MPHA residents, Section 8 participants and Section 3 residents at MPHA or other construction sites where work is being done.

Contractors agreeing to provide Step-Up opportunities are expected to inform MPHA or Building Trades representatives of Apprenticeship opportunities for residents.

MPHA/Building Trades Union representatives will work with the contractor to identify appropriate candidates from the list of Step-Up candidates who successfully meet the eligibility requirements.

Contractors will hire Step-Up Building Trades apprentices based upon the adopted pay schedule.

Contractors will work with the Trade Unions and MPHA representatives if problems arise, but will take necessary action to preserve the quality and integrity of the contractor’s work, including dismissal of the participant from participation with the contractor.

How do I get more information about the Step-Up Program?

Contractors should contact MPHA Employment Coordinator/Section 3, Leslie A. Woyee at 612-342-1404 or Building Trades representative Michael Reinking, 612-379-4234.

The Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program was established by the MPHA to promote economic self sufficiency among motivated participating families. The program is designed to partner with MPHA’s low-rent and Section 8 participants in a Contract of Participation wherein goals are set by the individual that will aim them toward a higher level of self-sufficiency. FSS acts as a referral service that can connect FSS participants with community resources that specialize in job training, transportation, and childcare. You are eligible if you live in public housing or have a Section 8 certificate or voucher. For further information and an application packet contact the MPHA Family Self Sufficiency Information Line at 612-335-4413.

MPHA offers residents temporary employment opportunities through the Self Help Program. Residents perform a variety of administrative or building upkeep tasks within their community earning extra income that won’t count against their rent. Please contact the site’s property manager for more information.