Little Earth Residents Association

Little Earth Residents Association (LERA) is a resident-driven nonprofit organization providing comprehensive social services to the Little Earth of United Tribes community in Minneapolis, MN. Operating from a 9.4-acre, 212-unit HUD-subsidized housing complex in the East Phillips neighborhood, LERA serves nearly 1,000 residents through holistic, culturally relevant programming designed around five key pillars: Education, Workforce Development, Health & Wellness, Safety, and Life Skills. The organization functions as a community center offering individual support and wrap-around services that address systemic barriers while promoting economic stability and self-determination. LERA's programmatic offerings include a 1,000 square foot onsite Youth Services Center serving over 400 youth annually, elder support through meal delivery programs, and an urban farm producing over 20 varieties of produce including the Four Native Medicines. The organization's leadership is deeply rooted in the community, with a 100% Native American Board of Directors and a 75% Native Executive Leadership Team. Founded in 1973 as the only Indigenous preference project-based Section 8 rental assistance community in the United States, Little Earth has become a model for environmental and social justice organizing. LERA was established for HUD engagement and resident representation, and has evolved into a vital resource addressing the unique needs of urban Native Americans in Minneapolis who lack access to traditional tribal federal and state resources.