About Your HRA
Message from the Director
The Virginia Housing and Redevelopment Authority is committed to strengthening the inclusiveness of our community by helping individuals and families obtain safe, quality housing that is affordable and free from discrimination. Our team of employees are working toward this mission by providing housing to over 1500 people through the operation of 476 apartments in the cities of Virginia and Eveleth and over 500 rental assistance vouchers across northern St. Louis County. We are here to partner with our tenants, communities, government agencies and the private sector to improve our communities by providing a home as we understand housing is not just a necessity, but a fundamental human right.
Coming from a household that experienced housing insecurity while growing up in Virginia, MN, I have first-hand experience of how important housing programs are for families across the Iron Range. The Section 8 Program provided my family with the housing stability we needed during difficult times. Connecting people with the housing of their choice and supportive services is my way of giving back.
Having a home creates the foundation we build stability on. Stable and affordable housing allows seniors to age in place, children to have higher achievement levels in school and adults to obtain and maintain stable employment. Our team takes pride in the housing and services we provide, and our communities are stronger because of it.
We are committed to creating neighborhoods where people choose to live because they feel welcome and have opportunities to thrive both socially and economically.
– Dana Hiltunen, Executive Director
Mission
The Virginia Housing & Redevelopment Authority is committed to strengthening the inclusiveness of our community by helping individuals and families obtain safe, quality housing that is affordable and free from discrimination.
Organizational Values
The Virginia Housing & Redevelopment Authority’s work is guided by these principles:
- Integrity – We earn the public’s trust by conducting our work in an honest, transparent way.
- Fairness – We treat everyone fairly and respectfully.
- Compassion – We approach client interactions with caring and go the extra mile to understand each household’s needs.
- Teamwork – We believe that more can be accomplished if we work together toward the same goals, both within our staff team and with other organizations in the community.
Visions Statement
Our future vision is a community where people choose to live because they have opportunities to grow and thrive socially and economically. We envision a local housing market that includes a variety of attractive and affordable choices. It will be evident that investment has been made to revitalize both the condition and appearance of existing rental housing and outdoor spaces. Our HRA will work in collaboration with other public and nonprofit organizations to address the need for subsidized housing and to reduce homelessness.
Goals
Strategic Goal #1: Residents will experience a higher quality of life through improvements to the condition, attractiveness, and image of existing HRA-owned housing and grounds.
Strategic Goal #2: Prospective and current residents and landlords will receive tailored and timely communication and education from the HRA team that facilitates greater mutual understanding.
Strategic Goal #3: Prospective and current tenants and landlords will receive tailored and timely communication and education from the HRA team that facilitates greater mutual understanding.
Leadership Team
Quality, affordable, and stable housing is a key element of a strong community. I firmly believe that our agency’s mission and the work we do to provide equitable access to safe and affordable housing creates greater opportunities for people in our community, especially for those in poverty, minority households with diverse social and economic backgrounds.
As the Financial Manager for the Virginia HRA, I have the privilege of supporting our mission to strengthen inclusiveness in our community by ensuring that the financial resources are used effectively to provide safe, quality, and affordable housing for those in need.
I am honored to lead a team that helps individuals and families afford one of the 7 essentials of life, shelter. Our program grants individuals and families the ability to choose where they are within the community or wherever they choose. Through the Housing Authority, I am able to help families and individuals afford housing through our program.
As the Pine Mill Court Property Manager, I have the privilege of working with families from all different walks of life to provide safe and affordable housing that offers a sense of community for adults and children.
In my role as a Property Manager, I have the pleasure of supporting our communities’ senior and student populations by assisting in providing and maintaining safe, quality housing.
Board Members
- Dennis Hendricks, Chairperson
- Pamela Gentillini, Vice-Chairperson
- Jared Ahrens, Secretary
- Rocci Donofrio, Treasurer
About The Virginia Housing & Redevelopment Authority
The Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Virginia, MN (VHRA) was organized in 1949. The organization is overseen by five commissioners with the day-to-day operations carried out by a staff of twenty employees. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of Virginia and serve five-year terms.
Since its inception, the VHRA has developed two hundred seventy-five units of public housing for families, senior, and disabled households. The VHRA owns and manages these units providing housing to over one thousand four hundred people. These units are instrumental in providing affordable housing to members of the community.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (aka Section 8) is delivered by the VHRA in all of Northern St. Louis County. Approved participants can use a voucher to help pay a portion of their rent payment while renting from a private landlord.
In addition to the Public Housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Programs, the VHRA owns and operates the Laurentian Manor, 80 units of senior housing located on Bailey’s Lake and Alpine Village, 24 units of student housing located adjacent to Mesabi Community College. The VHRA provides apartment management services at the Washington Manor, a 63-unit senior complex owned by the City of Virginia.
The VHRA also partners with local service agencies, the City of Virginia, and the Virginia Economic Development Authority to offer programs to revitalize housing within the City. These programs often involve acquisition and rehabilitation of existing units, acquisition and demolition or working with homeowners and landlords to fix up their properties.