16 public shelters receive funds to improve services and capacity
DES MOINES – September 1, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Culver and First Lady Mari Culver announced that 16 public shelters have been awarded a total of nearly $10 million in I-JOBS funds for shelter renovation and construction through the Public Service Shelter Grant Fund (PSSG).
The Culvers made the announcements at two shelters that will benefit from the funds. Governor Culver stopped at the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter in Cedar Rapids and First Lady Mari Culver visited St. Joseph’s Emergency Family Shelter in Des Moines.
“As long as there is one family in need of the services shelters provide, then our work simply must continue,” said Governor Culver. “That is why I am pleased to be here today and announce nearly $10 million for 16 shelters statewide. This will ensure that families will have improved access to the services they need, in safe, secure, and modern facilities, and at the same time, help create jobs all across the state.”
PSSG includes $10 million in revenue bonds for the construction or renovation of public shelters, including family and domestic violence, emergency and homeless shelters. The program is administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
Last year, more than 17,000 people sought help at Iowa’s shelters. Nearly 8,000 of these clients were members of families, and close to 40% of them were children.
“I believe it’s our duty to help to provide safe, quality housing to people who need our help,” said First Lady Mari Culver. “Behind the facts and figures related to today’s economic challenges are people – people with unmet needs in terms of housing and shelter services. As First Lady of Iowa, I’ve been fortunate to see the work so many Iowans do in service to our most vulnerable citizens. I-JOBS funds will play an invaluable role in meeting our state’s unmet needs, and help us build a stronger, safer future for everyone.”
A total of 41 applications were submitted for more than $13.6 million. Of the applicants, 16 shelters were awarded nearly $10 million, including funding for three new facilities and 13 renovation projects.
New construction projects were eligible for 50% of the total project cost with a maximum award of $4 million. Renovation projects were eligible for 100% of the project cost up to $250,000 and 50% of project costs above that amount, up to a maximum award of $3 million.
The Culver/Judge I-JOBS program will invest a total of $830 million over the next two years to create and retain jobs, strengthen the economy, recover from last year’s natural disasters, and improve Iowa’s infrastructure. The funds will be used to upgrade Iowa’s roads and bridges, invest in renewable energy projects, improve water quality, and upgrade public facilities such as the Iowa Veterans Home. I-JOBS is funded with existing gaming revenue, meaning no increase in taxes. Additional information on the Culver/Judge I-JOBS initiative is available at www.ijobsiowa.gov.
| I-JOBS Public Service Shelter Grant Awards | |||||
| Project Name | City | Occupancy Type | Project Type | Total Project Cost | PSSG Funds Awarded |
| Central Iowa Shelter and Services | Des Moines | Homeless Shelter | New Construction | $8,338,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Shelter House | Iowa City | Homeless Shelter | New Construction | $5,329,764 | $2,664,882 |
| Family Crisis Centers of NW Iowa | Sioux Center | Domestic Violence Shelter | New Construction | $1,075,000 | $580,000 |
| Muscatine Center for Social Action | Muscatine | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $322,000 | $286,000 |
| Opening Doors – Teresa Shelter | Dubuque | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $245,368 | $245,368 |
| Francis Lauer Youth Services | Mason City | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $140,000 | $140,000 |
| St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter | Des Moines | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $450,000 | $350,000 |
| Willis Dady Emergency Shelter | Cedar Rapids | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $349,600 | $299,800 |
| Cedar Valley Friends of the Family | Waverly | Domestic Violence Shelter | Renovation | $283,331 | $266,666 |
| First United Methodist Church – Boone County Homeless Prevention Board | Boone | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $227,640 | $227,640 |
| Youth Emergency Services and Shelter | Des Moines | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $248,609 | $248,609 |
| Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. | Davenport | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $164,100 | $164,100 |
| YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter | Burlington | Domestic Violence Shelter | Renovation | $62,297 | $58,221 |
| Northern Lights Alliance for the Homeless | Mason City | Homeless Shelter | Renovation | $200,000 | $200,000 |
| Dubuque Community YWCA Domestic Violence Program | Dubuque | Domestic Violence Shelter | Renovation | $164,609 | $164,609 |
| NIAD Center for Human Development | Mason City | Domestic Violence Shelter | Renovation | $96,500 | $96,500 |
| $17,696,818 | $9,992,395 | ||||
