Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) - Building Stability, Creating Opportunity, and Strengthening Community

Listen to Podcast Here: Cloquet HRA

Affordable housing is one of the most important foundations of a strong community. For nearly six decades, the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has quietly worked behind the scenes to provide safe, affordable housing opportunities for residents throughout the Cloquet and Carlton County region. While many people may not realize the breadth of services offered, the impact of the Cloquet HRA is felt every day by individuals, families, seniors, and community members who rely on affordable housing options.

The Cloquet HRA was established in 1968, when the City of Cloquet recognized the need for low-income housing and sought funding and housing solutions for residents. That vision became a reality in 1980 with the construction of Aspen Arms, a 73-unit public housing facility located at 950 14th Street in Cloquet. Today, Aspen Arms continues to serve income-qualified residents and remains a cornerstone of affordable housing within the community.

Leading the organization is Director Shari Olson, whose passion for housing and commitment to residents is evident in everything the organization does.

"Our residents are more than likely your aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, and friends, and they are proud to call Aspen Arms home," shared Olson. "It's incredibly rewarding to help provide housing opportunities for people who need them and appreciate them."

Supporting the mission is a dedicated team including Sally, Cindy, Jesse, Deb, Kathy S., Kathy T., and Keith, along with a Board of Commissioners appointed by the Mayor and Cloquet City Council. Together, they work tirelessly to ensure residents have access to housing resources while maintaining the facilities and programs entrusted to them.

More Than Public Housing

The Cloquet HRA's work extends far beyond Aspen Arms. The organization administers three critical housing functions:

Public Housing Operations

The HRA owns and manages Aspen Arms, providing affordable housing opportunities for qualifying residents. Maintaining a facility of this size requires ongoing investment, and the organization continually seeks state and federal funding opportunities to improve the property. Current priorities include siding replacement, elevator repairs, and new carpeting.

Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly known as Section 8) helps income-qualified residents afford housing in privately owned rental properties. Through the program, eligible participants receive rental assistance while living in participating housing units throughout Cloquet and Carlton County.

The HRA is actively seeking additional landlord partners to participate in the program.

"We need more landlord partners enrolled with our Housing Choice Voucher Program," said Olson. "The program provides landlords with reliable tenants and guaranteed rental assistance payments while helping address a growing community need."

Regional Housing Services

The Cloquet HRA is contracted to administer housing programs for the City of Carlton, including operations at Woodland Pines and management of Carlton's housing vouchers. Through HUD policies and local partnerships, the organization serves residents throughout Carlton County, leading many to refer to the agency as the "Cloquet-Carlton HRA."

Addressing a Growing Need

Like communities across Minnesota, Cloquet continues to face increasing housing challenges. Demand for affordable housing continues to exceed available supply, resulting in waiting lists for both public housing and voucher assistance.

The HRA regularly works to ensure waiting lists remain accurate and encourages eligible residents to apply. Applications can be completed online or requested by mail or email. As housing opportunities become available, applicants are contacted according to program guidelines.

While public housing remains an important component of the local housing landscape, affordable housing in Cloquet takes many forms. Community partners such as Larson Commons, Carlton Lofts, Sahlman Townhouses East and West, Maplewood Court II, and White Pine Apartments all contribute to expanding housing opportunities for residents at various income levels.

Looking Toward the Future

One of the most significant affordable housing success stories in recent years was the development of White Pine Apartments. Through strategic planning, partnerships, and years of housing advocacy, the Cloquet HRA helped facilitate the creation of the 35-unit workforce and supportive housing development.

The project provides a combination of deeply subsidized housing and workforce housing units, helping meet a variety of community needs while creating long-term housing stability for residents.

The development reflects the HRA's ongoing commitment to finding creative solutions despite funding limitations and regulatory challenges that often accompany public housing expansion efforts.

A Hidden Gem Worth Celebrating

Affordable housing may not always be visible, but its impact is profound. Every day, the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority helps seniors age with dignity, supports families working toward financial stability, assists individuals experiencing housing insecurity, and strengthens the overall health of our community.

Their work provides more than housing. It provides hope, stability, opportunity, and a place to call home.

As Cloquet continues to grow and evolve, organizations like the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority play a vital role in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to be part of the community's future.

Start Here. Stay Here. Grow Here.

For many residents, affordable housing is where the journey begins. It's where individuals and families can establish roots, build stability, and create opportunities for the future. Through the dedication of the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority, countless residents have been able to start here, stay here, and grow here. Helping make Cloquet a stronger, more welcoming community for generations to come.

Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA)

950 14th Street

Cloquet, MN 55720

Phone: (218) 879-3353

Email: Shari@cloquetcarltonhra.org

Website: www.cloquetcarltonhra.org