New program provides housing assistance to Iowans in need
DES MOINES, IA – October 28, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — First Lady Mari Culver announced a new program today that will help hundreds of Iowans maintain or acquire an affordable rental home.
As part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, almost $1.5 billion was allocated to cities and states for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. The State of Iowa received $11 million for the program, which is also called Iowa Rental Help.
“This program will help many Iowans find or keep an affordable rental home,” said the First Lady. “I encourage all Iowans who currently rent, but are struggling to pay the bills, to seek assistance from Iowa Rental Help, as well as currently homeless individuals and families and homeowners moving into a rental.”
Iowa Rental Help can provide qualified Iowa renters with rent and utility payments for up to 18 months (including up to six months in arrears), moving expenses, security deposits, rental deposits and more.
In addition, qualified homeowners who are moving into rental units and homeless individuals and families who seek rental housing can access the funds for affordable housing search and placement, moving expenses, case management, budget counseling and more. A complete list of eligible expenses and qualifications is available at www.IowaRentalHelp.com.
When individuals contact Iowa Rental Help, they will be connected with a case manager in their area to schedule a consultation to determine whether they qualify and determine the assistance that will best benefit them. The case manager will then meet with them every six months to reassess the situation. Iowa Rental Help’s goal is for recipients to gain stability as well as adequate housing after a maximum of 18 months in the program.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the program nationally; the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) administers the program in Iowa.
For more information on the program, Iowans can call 877.386.9104, visit www.IowaRentalHelp.com, or text RENT to 30644.
Contact:
Phil Roeder, Governor’s Office
(515) 281.4294
phil.roeder (at) iowa (dot) gov
Shawna Lode, Iowa Finance Authority
(515) 725.4897
shawna.lode (at) iowa (dot) gov
