The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) plans to announce a state-wide housing rehabilitation program this December. Homeowners with low-to-moderate income may apply for a $35,000 grant for home repairs and modifications. Four types of projects will be eligible:
· Exterior improvements,
· Work that addresses safety and health concerns,
· Work that addresses home energy efficiency, and
· Modifications that assist the homeowner to remain living in their home.
Homeowners will be required to submit an online pre-application and, if determined to be eligible, will be invited to submit a full application. The home must be the homeowner’s principal residence, taxed as real estate and located outside of the 100-year floodplain. Homeowners must have income below 80% area median income (AMI) and experienced a COVID-related financial hardship, either through reduced income or increased living expenses. ECICOG will be the program partner assigned to homeowners in our six-county region and beyond. ECICOG’s housing inspectors will conduct the initial property inspection, determine the scope of work, and manage the bid process. Interested homeowners are encouraged to contact Housing Director Tracey Achenbach to ensure that they are notified when the program is made available.