Little Earth Residents Association Inc

Little Earth of United Tribes was founded in 1973 as a grassroots response to housing discrimination and the effects of forced assimilation from the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. It is the only Native American preference project-based Section 8 housing community in the United States. Our 212-unit complex in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota is home to nearly 1,000 residents, 50% of whom are under the age of 21.  

Our community has tremendous strength despite the significant needs that are a direct result of the generational poverty set in motion generations ago. Median household income is below the poverty line, and food insecurity is an ongoing challenge for many residents. Little Earth youth have low high school graduation rates—a remnant of the loss of culture and generational trauma resulting from boarding schools. 

See our profile in the New York Times for a deeper understanding of the realities facing urban-based Native Americans. 

Little Earth Residents Association (LERA) is the service provider for Little Earth residents. With our commitment to dismantling systemic barriers, LERA embraces wrap-around support services for residents from the cradle until they are Elders. Our programs span maternal health, early childhood education, in-school support, career development, counseling for all ages, and social support and healing for our Elders. LERA’s recently enhanced Housing Advocacy program is not only keeping residents in their rented homes but helping them become homeowners – often for the very first time. 

LERA is governed and led by the residents of the Little Earth of United Tribes community. Our organization is invested in the well-being of every community member that comes through our doors. Known as “the heart of the Native community” in the Twin Cities, Little Earth remains a beacon of community empowerment and self-determination. We spend carefully. Every donation matters!

Our programs include:

-The Urban Farm

-Counselling

-Youth Career Development

-After School Support

-Women's and Men's Empowerment Groups

-Cultural Education Program

-Housing Advocacy & Homebuyer Program

Chi-Miigwech! Wopida! Thank you for keeping us strong!