Latest news with #IowaFinanceAuthority
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5 days ago
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Iowa City nonprofit using $2.5M grant to build 6 affordable homes for domestic abuse survivors
Iowa City is selling a vacant lot to a local nonprofit planning to build homes for individuals fleeing domestic abuse. The city-owned lot valued at $270,000 will be given to the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) to create six new townhomes on the east side of town. DVIP was awarded nearly $2.5 million in HOME American Rescue Plan funding from the Iowa Finance Authority in 2024 to help construct the six townhomes. The grant will also cover some of the cost associated with operating the supportive housing program over the first few years. More: UI grad union 'condemns' school's DEI investigation, cites unauthorized recording policy Iowa City says nonprofit must offer affordable housing The city will create a "conditional occupancy loan" for DVIP at 0% interest. The organization must maintain affordability for tenants earning at or below 60% of the median area income. The loan will be forgiven completely if DVIP achieves affordability for 20 years. The city purchased the land in 2018 with the intention of developing affordable housing east of Scott Boulevard. Though several concepts have been considered by city staff in the years since, none came to fruition. "This action is consistent with the council's direction to use city resources strategically to expand supportive housing options," Iowa City Neighborhood and Development Services Coordinator Tracy Hightshoe told the council. What is HOME-ARP and what will the grant money cover? The HOME-American Rescue Plan was part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. The Iowa Finance Authority was awarded approximately $29 million in HOME-ARP funds to help "reduce homelessness and increase housing stability." HOME-ARP funds are intended to assist people at risk of or experiencing homelessness and those fleeing "dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking," according to the state's website. More: From crowdfunding to ownership: How FilmScene bought its original Ped Mall location Of the $2.5 million awarded to DVIP by the Iowa Finance Authority, roughly $1.74 million will be used to cover construction. DVIP Executive Director Kristie Fortmann-Doser said the remaining $750,000 will be used for "supportive services" and other operating costs for six years. DVIP hopes to gain a local foothold with the program and build its savings to foster a success. Townhomes while expand DVIP's services Fortmann-Doser said the affordable townhomes are the second phase of DVIP's recent expansion of offerings. The organization opened its new, larger shelter for survivors of domestic violence in late 2024. Fortmann-Doser said DVIP also expects to provide affordable apartments to individuals fleeing domestic violence. She said the townhomes are geared toward families fleeing domestic violence. More: Iowa teens use demolition derby to smash civic divides through public art The final rent costs have not been finalized, but DVIP will only charge a portion of the median area market rate rent. The townhomes are not transitional housing, meaning residents may stay as long as they need. DVIP estimates construction will be completed by the spring with hopes the townhomes are occupied by 2027. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City's DVIP to build 6 homes for domestic abuse survivors
Yahoo
22-04-2025
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Sioux City awarded $25k to help create Homeless Court Program
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — The state of Iowa has provided Sioux City with a grant going towards the creation of a program to help homeless people navigate legal barriers, the first of its kind in the state. According to a release, the Iowa Finance Authority's Board of Directors awarded the city with $25,000 to support the creation of a Homeless Court Program (HCP). These programs aim to create a 'community-based alternative to the traditional courtroom.' 2 finalists named for chief administrator role at Northwest AEA As part of an HCP, local organizations and legal experts would work to resolve a person's existing misdemeanor offenses, infractions and warrants. These issues often prevent homeless people from securing housing and employment, the IFA says. 'The creation of the Sioux City Homeless Court Program is an important step in breaking down legal barriers that prevent individuals from achieving stable housing and jobs,' said Jill Wanderscheid, Sioux City's Neighborhood Services Manager, in a statement. 'With 206 households, consisting of 286 individuals, currently on the Sioux City's Coordinated Entry list waiting for housing resources, this program will play a crucial role in addressing homelessness in our community.' Sioux City officials look to make intersection safer after 2 crashes The money comes through the IFA's Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund. The fund was created in 2024 in response to emergency housing needs as a result of disasters or other crises. Though this will be the first HCP in Iowa, over 70 similar programs have been established across the country since 2001. These programs will provide technical assistance for Sioux City's HCP. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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02-03-2025
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State accuses Davenport woman of fraud through Rental Utility Assistance Program
A 56-year-old Davenport woman was in custody Saturday after the Iowa Finance Authority accused her of fraud, according to court records. Donna Smith, who was arrested on a warrant on Friday, faces charges of first-degree fraudulent practice and ongoing criminal conduct, court records show. Affidavits say that Smith knowingly executed or tendered false certification from about May 5, 2021, through Sept. 19, 2022, to get rental assistance through the Iowa Rental Utility Assistance Program. Smith, affidavits show, 'did so by providing false/fictitious information and records to a state agency or subdivision for herself and a fictitious tenant. The information and records provided certified past due rent during the aforementioned time period in the amount of $13,650,' affidavits show. Miller did not owe past due rent, 'nor was she the landlord owed past due rent,' and the Iowa Finance Authority 'unwittingly paid out $13,650 in COVID-19 related rental assistance funds erroneously,' court records show. Additionally, another affidavit says that Miller and a co-defendant knowingly executed or tendered false certifications to the Iowa Finance Authority from about Aug. 31, 2021, through Sept. 16, 2022, to get rental assistance through the Iowa Rental Utility Assistance Program. The two did this by providing false/fictitious information and records to a state agency or subdivision for three tenants living at a property owned by FIG Tree Holdings LLC and HABU Holdings LLC. The information and records provided certify that these three tenants owed past due rent during the aforementioned time period in the amount of $26,700, when their past due rent totaled only $14,245. This resulted in an additional $23,625 in rental assistance being paid to FIG Tree Holdings, LLC and HABU Holdings LLC, owned by the co-defendant, who is not named in the affidavit, court records show. 'As a result, (Smith) and co-defendant deceived the Iowa Finance Authority who in turn unwittingly paid out $36,080 in COVID-19 related rental assistance funds erroneously,' according to affidavits. Miller, who was being held Saturday on a total $135,000 bond, is scheduled for arraignment March 27 in Scott County Court. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
