FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are we?

Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services is a private, nonprofit corporation with a volunteer Board of Directors, the majority of whom are neighborhood residents. Other Board members represent financial organizations, government and private business.

What do we do?

We offer a variety of services to homebuyers, homeowners, and the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, including, but not limited to: home inspections, deferred/low interest loans, new home construction and renovation of existing homes, and neighborhood planning and development.

Why are we here?

DBNHS was started in 1980 by residents of the neighborhood. They had seen other neighborhood housing service organizations in the Twin Cities and around the country, and realized that the partnership of residents, financiers, government and private industry could work here too. Since 1980, DBNHS has been directly responsible for investment in over 2,000 affordable housing units totaling more than $120,000,000.

Where do we get the money?

Private businesses and foundations contribute money to the Twin Cities NHS network to help pay the costs of operating the program, while the city and state governments provide government funds. Local lenders provide special mortgage programs for purchasing homes in our area.

Do we only help low-income residents?

No. All homeowners within the DBNHS area can take advantage of our services. However, some programs do have income restrictions on who can receive funds.

If I have an inspection to determine the work that is needed, will the City make me fix everything that is wrong?

No. Only serious items that endanger health and safety need to be taken care of within a reasonable amount of time. Minor items brought up during an inspection are left up to the homeowners discretion to fix or not.

How do I know what work to do and if the work is done right?

In addition to helping you develop your bid and review the bid responses, our construction specialist will also monitor the work in process, and our finance manager monitors payouts to ensure that all subcontractors are paid correctly.

How can I find a reliable contractor to do the work?

We can assist you in finding reasonable, reliable contractors who meet Minnesota's licensing, bonding and certification requirements.

Do you offer help to people outside the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood?

Yes, but only to residents of the Payne/Phalen and North East neighborhoods and a portion of St. Paul’s East Side. Specific addresses covered by our services can be obtained by contacting the office.

Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services Serving the Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood since 1980


Frequently Asked Questions Who are we? Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services is a private, nonprofit corporation with a volunteer Board of Directors, the majority of whom are neighborhood residents. Other Board members represent financial organizations, government and private business. What do we do? We offer a variety of services to homebuyers, homeowners, and the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood, including, but not limited to: home inspections, deferred/low interest loans, new home construction and renovation of existing homes, and neighborhood planning and development. Why are we here? DBNHS was started in 1980 by residents of the neighborhood. They had seen other neighborhood housing service organizations in the Twin Cities and around the country, and realized that the partnership of residents, financiers, government and private industry could work here too. Since 1980, DBNHS has been directly responsible for investment in over 2,000 affordable housing units totaling more than $120,000,000. Where do we get the money? Private businesses and foundations contribute money to the Twin Cities NHS network to help pay the costs of operating the program, while the city and state governments provide government funds. Local lenders provide special mortgage programs for purchasing homes in our area. Do we only help low-income residents? No. All homeowners within the DBNHS area can take advantage of our services. However, some programs do have income restrictions on who can receive funds. If I have an inspection to determine the work that is needed, will the City make me fix everything that is wrong? No. Only serious items that endanger health and safety need to be taken care of within a reasonable amount of time. Minor items brought up during an inspection are left up to the homeowners discretion to fix or not. How do I know what work to do and if the work is done right? In addition to helping you develop your bid and review the bid responses, our construction specialist will also monitor the work in process, and our finance manager monitors payouts to ensure that all subcontractors are paid correctly. How can I find a reliable contractor to do the work? We can assist you in finding reasonable, reliable contractors who meet Minnesota's licensing, bonding and certification requirements. Do you offer help to people outside the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood? Yes, but only to residents of the Payne/Phalen and North East neighborhoods and a portion of St. Paul’s East Side. Specific addresses covered by our services can be obtained by contacting the office.
Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services \| 823 7th Street E \| St. Paul, MN 55106 \| 651.774.6995 direct \| 651.774.0445 fax