Public Housing Policy Change

Summary

To request changes to the Public Housing - Admission and Occupancy Policy in Saint Paul, Minnesota, contact the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) for guidance. Attend PHA board meetings to voice concerns and submit a formal written request detailing proposed changes. For residents needing verification for an emotional support animal without health insurance, visit local community health clinics or mental health organizations for assistance. Depression can qualify for an emotional support animal, and a healthcare provider can evaluate and provide a verification letter. In the meantime, inform the housing manager of efforts to obtain verification and request an extension. No need to bring the dog to a shelter; instead, provide proof of efforts to secure verification. Consider contacting free legal aid organizations for further assistance.

Full Conversation

Yes please
To contact the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA):

Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA)


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Wabasha St N, Suite *, Saint Paul, MN *
Website: www.stpaulpha.org

Would you like to know more about the process of submitting a formal written request?
Yes
To submit a formal written request to the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) for changes to the Admission and Occupancy Policy, you can follow these steps:
- Draft a clear and concise letter detailing the changes you are proposing and the reasons for these changes.
- Include any supporting documents or evidence that may strengthen your request.
- Address the letter to the PHA's Executive Director or relevant board member.
- Submit your request via mail or email to the contact details provided.
Would you like assistance in drafting the letter or any more specific information regarding the process?
Yes please, help with drafting a letter
Here's a draft for your letter requesting changes to the Public Housing - Admission and Occupancy Policy:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Executive Director
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA)
* Wabasha St N, Suite *
Saint Paul, MN *
Dear [Executive Director's Name],
Subject: Request for Changes to Public Housing - Admission and Occupancy Policy
I am writing to formally request changes to the current Public Housing - Admission and Occupancy Policy. As a resident of Saint Paul public housing, I believe the following changes would greatly benefit our community:
*. [Specific change #*]: [Detailed reason or justification].
*. [Specific change #*]: [Detailed reason or justification].
Additionally, I have attached supporting documents that further explain and justify the proposed changes. I kindly request that these changes be reviewed and considered at the next PHA board meeting.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Would you like any specific details added or adjusted in this draft?
No that is it thank you.
You're welcome! If you have any other questions or need further assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Have a great day!
Could you help with something else?
Sure! What other legal information or assistance do you need?
A Saint Paul public housing resident who just moved in is asking for a "reasonable accommodation" to allow the resident to have and live with an emotional support animal. The public housing is asking the resident for verification of need of the emotional support animal. How does the resident get this verification such as a doctors note if the resident does not have health insurance any longer becomes he was homeless for a long before moving in. The resident has lived in public housing for less than one month and has already received notice of a lease violation for not being able to provide this verification. The resident is inquiring how to obtain such verification if he doesn't have medical insurance to be able to make an appointment with the right health provider
The resident can consider the following options to obtain a verification letter without health insurance:
- Visit a local community health clinic or free clinic for assistance.
- Contact local mental health organizations or non-profits for support.
- Check if there are any pro bono services provided by healthcare providers in the area.
Would you like help finding a specific free clinic or mental health organization in Saint Paul?
That would be so helpful yes please
Here are some options for free clinics and mental health organizations in Saint Paul:

Open Cities Health Center


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * N Dunlap St, Saint Paul, MN *
Website: www.opencitieshealth.org

Ramsey County Mental Health Center


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * University Ave W, Saint Paul, MN *
Website: www.ramseycounty.us

Would you like more information on how to approach these clinics, or any additional guidance?
Yes please
When approaching these clinics, you can follow these steps:
- Call ahead to confirm services for uninsured individuals and to schedule an appointment.
- Explain your situation and need for an emotional support animal verification.
- Bring any relevant documents, including the notice of lease violation.
Would you like guidance on what to say when you call or any other assistance?
Yes, i think the resident is very nervous about either losing his home or having to give up his dog. Any info would be greatly appreciated
When calling the clinics, the resident can say something like:
"Hello, my name is [Name], and I recently moved into public housing. I need a verification letter for an emotional support animal but I don't have health insurance. Could you assist me with this?"
Would you like more details on the process or any other specific assistance?
How does he prove to the health provider that he needs the emotional support animal and then do they write a letter verifying the need or how does that work?
To obtain a verification letter for an emotional support animal:
- Visit a healthcare provider or clinic.
- Explain your need for the emotional support animal, including any mental health conditions.
- The provider will evaluate and, if appropriate, write a letter verifying the need.
Would you like more details on what conditions typically qualify for an emotional support animal?
Well he has depression and says the dog leaves him no choice but to get up out of bed each day and face the day because the dog needs a walk and to be fed etc. He believes if he did not have the dog that he would have no reason to get out of bed and would just fall into a deeper depression. Does that qualify?
Yes, depression can qualify for an emotional support animal. When visiting the health provider, explain the emotional and mental health benefits provided by the dog. The provider will assess and, if suitable, provide a verification letter.
Would you like assistance finding more resources or information?
Yes please
Here are additional resources in Saint Paul that could be helpful:

People's Center Clinics & Services


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN *
Website: www.peoples-center.org

Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health (MACMH)


Phone: (*) *-*
Address: * Empire Dr, Saint Paul, MN *
Website: www.macmh.org

Would you need more information or assistance with another aspect of this situation?
What should the resident do in the meantime until he's able to get this verification to avoid updating the public housing manager further or to avoid any more lease violation for this issue?
In the meantime, the resident should:
- Inform the public housing manager about the steps they are taking to obtain the verification.
- Request an extension for providing the verification.
- Provide any interim documentation or proof of efforts to secure the verification.
Would you like a sample letter for requesting an extension?
Yes please
Sure, here’s a sample letter requesting an extension:
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[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Public Housing Manager's Name]
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA)
* Wabasha St N, Suite *
Saint Paul, MN *
Dear [Public Housing Manager's Name],
Subject: Request for Extension to Provide Verification for Emotional Support Animal
I recently received a notice of lease violation regarding the verification of my emotional support animal. I want to inform you that I am actively seeking the necessary documentation and have contacted local health clinics and mental health organizations for assistance.
However, due to my lack of health insurance and the time required to secure an appointment, I kindly request an extension of [number of days/weeks] to provide the required verification.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my situation. I am committed to resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Please feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
---
Would you like any further adjustments or additional assistance?
Does he need to bring his dog to an animal shelter until this issue is resolved?
No, he does not need to bring his dog to an animal shelter.
Instead:
- Inform the housing manager about the steps taken to obtain verification.
- Request an extension for providing documentation.
- Provide proof of efforts to secure verification.
Would you need further assistance on this matter?
Yes please
To further assist you, here are some additional steps:
- Contact free legal aid organizations in Saint Paul for advice on tenant rights and emotional support animals.
- Consider seeking temporary assistance from local support groups or community organizations.
Would you like help finding legal aid organizations in Saint Paul?
No that is all thanks again
You're welcome! If you need any more assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Take care!