Learn more about affordable housing in the East Metro and what you can do to help.

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Affordable Housing Programs

Throughout its 100 year history, Wilder has made housing a priority, especially the condition and affordability of housing available to Saint Paul's low-income residents. Wilder's very first program -- the Relief Department -- was providing cash assistance to very low-income families for the primary purpose of maintaining their housing. 

Its 1917 survey of Saint Paul housing conditions reported some housing in sections of the city were "wholly unsuited for human habitation." The controversial findings in this report caused the enactment of the first Saint Paul housing ordinance in March 1918.

Today, Wilder is one of the area’s largest providers of affordable housing, with nearly 1,200 owned or managed units in greater Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Wilder's housing group works with area communities to increase affordable housing, support low-income individuals and families with housing needs, and develop innovative housing solutions. We believe effective, affordable housing solutions need to provide more than housing.

Our housing strategies include:

Affordable housing with support services
Wilder provides quality housing and support services that help families and individuals develop financial, employment and living skills that will increase their chances of staying in their homes long-term.

Property management and resident services
Wilder provides consulting, on-site management or support services that help owners and developers of affordable housing run well-managed properties. These properties provide quality homes for their residents and are assets within their communities.

Housing development, research and innovation
Wilder is working to increase production of affordable housing units by researching and sharing innovative techniques for improving the quality and reducing the cost of affordable housing construction.