Pilot program replaces mobile homes in southern Minnesota

MANKATO – The Simmons family's last home had holes in the floor, and their pipes often would freeze and sometimes burst because it got so cold inside in the winter.

Kelsey and Donald Simmons covered the holes with two-by-fours and made other improvisations they could afford on a tight budget.

But they realized it wouldn't be long before their mobile home, built in 1972, would no longer be habitable.

In November they moved into a newer, warm trailer with solid floors, thanks to a partnership between the city of Mankato, Minnesota Valley Action Council and three mobile home parks, with support from a state grant.

The pilot program is replacing three dilapidated mobile homes with newer ones at no cost to the homeowners if they stay in the new home for 10 years.

The Simmons family is the first to get a new residence.

They recently moved into a 2002 home that was for sale in the Southhaven Mobile Home Community just blocks from their former home.

"This is a dream come true," Kelsey Simmons said, adding that even her two children are taking pride in their new home by taking their shoes off at the door and picking up their toys.

One resident of the Lime Valley Mobile Home Park and one resident of the University Park Mobile Home Community soon also will get new places to hang their hats.

"It's about making sure these folks have a safe, affordable home. Everyone deserves that," said Judd Schultz, housing services director for the Minnesota Valley Action Council.

Another goal is to remove blight in the mobile home parks. The vacated homes are demolished.

"It's not only helping that household, it's helping the park as well," Schultz said.

The three participating mobile home parks each contributed $10,000. Those dollars fund purchase of the mobile homes as well as transportation and demolition costs.

Recipients of the new homes must have an income of no more than $24,000 but enough so they can afford lot rent, utilities and upkeep.

They get a 10-year no-interest loan that will be forgiven if they live in and maintain their residences for 10 years.

Schultz and other project leaders hope the pilot will lead to more grants and participation from all seven of the mobile home parks in Mankato.

The project is the product of an initiative by the public safety and building inspections departments to build better connections with the mobile home parks.