Permanent Supportive Housing Projects to Support Chronically Homeless Individuals
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors recently awarded a total of $8.3 million to provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals through two new construction projects in Ames and Clinton. The funding is made available through the federal National Housing Trust Fund program.
"The individuals who will be assisted by these projects are individuals who habitually cycle through emergency rooms, criminal justice systems and emergency shelters," said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Debi Durham.
“The Housing First model has been proven to save lives, provide shelter to chronically homeless individuals and reduce the number of calls and stress on local community services.”
Both developments awarded National Housing Trust Fund grants will follow the Housing First model, which is a nationally recognized permanent housing solution for the chronically homeless. The Housing First model centers around prioritizing individuals with the greatest needs to offer immediate access to safe and affordable housing. The developments will also partner with various supportive service providers, including mental health, medical care, substance abuse treatment, employment and community services.
The National Housing Trust Fund is an affordable housing production program aimed at increasing and preserving the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income households, which is defined as households earning no more than 30 percent of the area median income. The program is a federal block grant program administered at the state level and requires a 30-year affordability period.
Project Details:
Project Hope and a Home, Ames
Address: 216 S Sherman Ave.
NHTF Grant: $4.16 million
New Construction
18 rental homes
Provider: The Bridge Home
Developer: Kiernan Development & Construction, LLC
YWCA Clinton Empowerment Center Supportive Housing Project, Clinton
Address: 603 N 3rd St.
NHTF Grant: $4.16 million New Construction
24 rental homes
Provider: YWCA Clinton, Iowa
Developer: Hatch Development Group