BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area is now accepting proposals to address local housing needs through a housing trust fund.
Beltrami County created the housing trust fund in 2023 with state dollars earmarked for housing, intending for a separate agency to facilitate selecting the projects to move forward.
United Way of Bemidji Area will accept applications through 5 p.m. Oct. 31.
A news release stated the nonprofit is seeking qualified organizations to submit proposals for projects that "enhance housing availability, affordability and accessibility for individuals and families in Beltrami County."
"The aim is to create a positive impact on the housing landscape and improve the overall well-being of our community members," the release stated.
The next phase of the housing trust fund construction and development project will open later this year, providing opportunities for for-profit developers to contribute to “the expansion and improvement of housing options in our community.”
Interested organizations can find out more about this and other grant opportunities at the United Way of Bemidji Area's website.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan reflects on her work covering stories in northwestern Minnesota and beyond in her ninth year as a journalist. -
Bemidji Area Reporter Larissa Donovan looks back on her work reporting for northwestern Minnesota in 2025 during her ninth year as a journalist. -
Lorie ShaullKAXE reporter Megan Buffington foregoes naming a favorite story and instead examines a favorite beat — and how she answers the oft-asked, "Why did you become a journalist?" -
KAXE reporter Megan Buffington foregoes naming a favorite story and instead examines a favorite beat — and how it answers the oft-asked, "Why did you become a journalist?"
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Our No. 1 and No. 2 stories of year follow the wide-ranging local impacts of sometimes swift and surprising decisions in Washington, D.C., and a severe natural disaster changes the landscape in the Bemidji area.
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Our No. 3 and No. 4 stories of year examine the state's wild rice sulfate standard as U.S. Steel seeks a variance from the MPCA, and the arrest and subsequent resignation of former state Sen. Justin Eichorn.
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Our No. 5 and No. 6 stories of year break down what it means for local sheriffs to help enforce immigration laws, and the impact of budget cuts to library systems across the region.
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Our No. 7 and No. 8 stories of year cover the proliferation of automatic license plate readers as a law enforcement tool in Northern MN, and spring wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres and hundreds of structures.
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KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more. -
Our No. 9 and No. 10 stories of year include an unusual strike over whether a wide range of Essentia Health providers can form a union and the controversial sale of an MN utility company.
