Little Earth was founded in 1973 to create affordable housing for the growing urban American Indian population in Minneapolis. As the first urban housing complex with American Indian preference, Little Earth served as a national model, at the forefront of American Indian migration into urban areas. The urbanization of American Indians has continued over the past three decades. The U.S. 2000 Census reports that at least 65% of American Indians now live in urban areas and Little Earth continues its role as a central touch point for the local and national American Indian population. 
In total, Little Earth has a total of 23.5 staff members. 19.5 program staff, and 4 administrative staff. In mid-2007, an estimated 30 volunteers—largely residents-- also contribute to the well-being of Little Earth.
Located in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, Little Earth spans a nine-block area, with 212 housing units. Little Earth is home to over 900 people, including 631 signed lessees and nearly 300 additional individuals who share housing with family members. 98% of all Little Earth residents are American Indian.
Two-thirds of the residents at Little Earth are age 0-22. Almost half, or 44%, of the residents are ages 0-12. More than one-fifth (22%) of the residents are teens and young adults ages 13-22. Adults and elders constitute one-third of the residents at Little Earth. The average annual household at Little Earth is $8,685. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the households are headed by females and just one in four, or 25%, of the households list employment as a source of household income. |
