Homeless System Manager J'nae Peterman Recognized with Statewide Award

Each year the Iowa Finance Authority recognizes someone who goes above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them and in their community in the field of housing. This year J’nae Peterman, Homeless Systems Manager, was awarded the Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa. Peterman was also invited to participate in the “Iowa Innovation in Homelessness Incubator Pitch Competition”. The competition required proposals with innovative ideas aimed at addressing homeless prevention and/or response. 

Three proposals were selected as finalists and presented their proposals to a group of judges at the Housing Iowa Conference. Peterman presented the Housing Fund for Linn County proposal and was awarded $100,000 in funding to establish an advisory council comprised of individuals with lived homeless experience to help guide the community’s efforts to address homelessness!

The City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County and the East Central Iowa United Way collaborated to create the position of Homeless System Manager. The position is overseen by the Housing Fund of Linn County and part of the ECICOG office.