Resource Center
Housing Choices for Iowans
Decent housing has become unaffordable for many hard working families and the federal government has a role to play in the affordable housing debate.It can promote community goals of environmental protection, access for people with disabilities, and better transportation planning, in the context of their financial impact on home buyers.
According to the National Association of Homebuilders, housing comprises about one-tenth of the United States economy and the housing construction and remodeling industries employ approximately two million people each year.However, housing costs continue to rise and housing affordability continues to be a challenge for many American families.
I am pleased to let you know that Congress has approved an increase in one very important affordable housing program that I have championed over the years: the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) single family mortgage insurance loan limits.
Through this program, millions of American families are able to achieve the dream of home ownership at no cost to taxpayers.The previous loan limits restricted a large number of families from participating in this valuable program.As a result of these changes, thousands of families with the ability to make the mortgage payments on a decent home are now able to make the purchase with a smaller down payment. This is a step to make home ownership a reality for more families.
The benefits of increased home ownership are countless.Enabling more families to live in homes they own boosts home construction , and certainly benefits our economy. Please be assured that I will continue my efforts to ensure that the dream of home ownership becomes a reality for more Iowans.
I hope that you will find this resource center on housing resources helpful.It provides the names and numbers of a host of local, state, and federal programs to help you with any housing questions, concerns, or problems that may arise.
Federal Housing Resources
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
873 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone 515/284-4663
Fax 515/284-4821
Web: rurdev.usda.gov
USDA Rural Development operates federal loan programs designed to strengthen rural businesses, finance new and improved rural housing, develop community facilities, and maintain and create rural employment. Direct and/or guaranteed loans are available for housing, water and waste systems, rural businesses, community facilities and telecommunications.A limited amount of grant funds are also available for some programs. Their mission is to enhance the ability of people in rural areas to create, build, and sustain ventures within communities by building partnerships and investing financial and technical resources in areas where there is the greatest need. Programs include guaranteed and direct loans for single family home ownership, as well as multi-family and senior housing; home improvement and repair loans and grants; self-help housing; and housing preservation grants for rehabilitation and repair.
Rural Housing Service Programs (RHS) loans and grants provide rural residents with decent, safe and sanitary housing and community facilities. RHS programs help finance new or improved housing to over 65,000 moderate, low or very low income families each year.
Rural Utilities and Community Facilities Service seeks to improve the quality of life in rural America through a variety of loan and grant programs for community facility development and water and waste water loans and grants.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) works in partnership with the private sector and community-based organizations to provide financial assistance and business planning. It also provides technical assistance to rural businesses and cooperatives, conducts research into rural economic issues, and provides cooperative educational material to the public.
US DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
239 Federal Building
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone 515/284-4512
Fax 515/284-4743
Web: hud.gov
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a wide range of assistance for housing and community development. Within HUD, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures home mortgage loans for home purchase or repair, or for seniors who wish to convert home equity into cash for an improved standard of living. HUD/FHA also insures mortgage loans on multifamily developments and care facilities developed with private financing.HUD provides rental assistance through privately owned housing, and public housing through participating cities and towns, for low and moderate income families and persons.HUD also provides Community Development Block Grants to states and cities for home repairs, community infrastructure improvements and much more, for the benefit of low and moderate income households and neighborhoods.HUD also provides funds to help shelter the homeless, and specially designed housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.
HUD is a strong advocate for Fair Housing, with full investigative and enforcement responsibilities for the Fair Housing Act.
HUD offers many diverse program options, designed to help individuals and communities with specific needs and visions.To learn more about these options, access HUD's website At this site, click on "reading room" for general information. This site will also contain information on current program funding availability and application directions.This information is generally, but not always, available between the months of March and June.However, it is advisable to check HUD's website regularly throughout the year for current funding information.For more detailed and complete program-by-program information, access the site hud.gov
VA HOUSING
VA Regional Office #1049
210 Walnut Street, Room
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: 800/827-1000
Fax: 515/323-7407
E-mail: desmoines.query@vba.va.gov
Web: va.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides loan guaranties to mortgage lenders willing to make home loans to eligible veterans.Because of the VA's backing, most loans are made with little or no down payment.Loans are made to purchase homes, and to refinance existing mortgages.The Regional Loan Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the full-service office for VA home loan benefits in Iowa.The Regional Office in Des Moines processes property appraisals as well as manages and sells VA-owned properties.
Federal Programs
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS (CDBG)
The state CDBG program is funded by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED).The state has set aside 25% of CDBG funds for housing, which are combined with state HOME funds in what is called the IDED "Housing Fund."CDBG funds may be used for rehabilitation of owner- and renter-occupied housing, home buyer programs, property acquisition and in limited circumstance, new construction.
EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT PROGRAM (ESG)
IDED administers this HUD program. It funds a variety of facilities and services for homeless persons and for homelessness prevention. It is available through annual competition among local governments on behalf of one or more shelters within their jurisdiction.
HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME)
HOME is a federal program dedicated to affordable housing for low-income persons. HOME funds projects in rehabilitation, acquisition, new construction, home-buyer assistance and rental assistance.IDED administers the HOME program in Iowa and the funds are available state-wide. Applications for HOME are made on a continual basis through the "Housing Fund." Local governments and private proprietary and nonprofit entities may apply.
FEDERAL CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER
Phone:888/878-3256
Web: pueblo.gsa.gov
The Federal Information Center is a program of the US General Services Administration. It is a nationwide toll-free number that assists the public in accessing the government's information and services. Among the most common questions asked: how to obtain a US passport, how to learn about federal job opportunities locally and nationwide, copyrighting and patenting, consumer issues, and purchasing government seized and surplus property.
USA SERVICES
Phone: 800/333-4636
Web: info.gov
Part of the Information Center, this website might also be a source of information regarding Federal programs, benefits, or services.
Government Sponsored Enterprises
FANNIE MAE
699 Walnut Street, Suite 1375
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone:515/697-3720
Fax: 515/697-3730
Information on Homebuying:800/7-FANNIE (732-6643)
Information on Homeownership Education: homepath.com
Fannie Mae is a New York Stock Exchange company and the largest non-bank financial services company in the world. It operates pursuant to a federal charter and is the nations's largest source of financing for home mortgages.Over the past 30 years, Fannie Mae has provided nearly $2.5 trillion of mortgage financing for over 30 million families.
In addition to its national and regional offices, Fannie Mae has over 30 local Partnership Offices across the country including the Iowa Partnership.
The Iowa Partnership is responsible for Fannie Mae's HouseIowa Program. This is a commitment to invest $3 billion in Iowa over five years for mortgages to first time homebuyers, low-income borrowers, minorities and other targeted groups.The Iowa Partnership Office provides information on Fannie Mae programs, which are available through local lenders across the state.The Partnership Office is also available to help local housing initiatives access the secondary mortgage market.They have helped develop low down payment mortgage programs for individual communities and worked with down payment assistance programs in dozens of communities.
The Iowa Partnership Office also works with a number of communities and employers on Fannie Mae's Employer Assisted Housing Assistance Housing Programs.Through this program, employers can provide a variety of housing assistance including downpayment assistance to their employees who want to buy a house.Many employers have found this to be a very cost-effective
way of dealing with recruiting and employee retention issues. It is also very useful in local and community development activities.
FREDDIE MAC
Phone: 800/FREDDIE (373-3343)
Web: freddiemac.com
Freddie Mac is a stockholder-owned corporation that is chartered by Congress to increase the supply of funds that mortgage lenders, such as commercial banks, mortgage bankers, savings institutions and credit unions, can make available to homebuyers and multifamily investors.
Freddie Mac does not make loans directly to homebuyers.It is a private company serving a public purpose.After borrowers complete the closing process on their mortgage loans, Freddie
Mac buys those mortgages from their approved lenders.This process of replenishing the supply of funds enables the lenders to make more mortgage loans to other buyers.Consumers experience lower mortgage interest rates, readily available mortgage credit, a wider selection of mortgage products and reduced origination costs. Freddie Mac has publications available at the toll free number listed above or on their website.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK
801 Walnut Street Suite 200
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone:800/544-3452
Fax: 515/281-1270
Web: fhlbdm.com
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines enhances the competitiveness and financial strength of community-based financial institutions by ensuring they haveadequate liquidity to meet the housing finance and community credit needs of neighborhoods in communities. The Des Moines Bank's district includes: Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota. Programs include the Affordable Housing Grant Program for projects targeting families at or below 80 percent of the area median income. The Community Investment Program (CIP) assists in funding both community development and affordable housing projects that impact families at or below 115 percent of the area median income. (CIP's priorities included single-family loans for rental or owner occupied housing for households at or below 115 percent of area median income and for the elderly; revitalization of communities and neighborhoods, including home improvement and rehabilitation or construction loans; weatherization or energy, etc.) The First Home Fund is an annual program that provides money for down payment, closing and rehabilitation costs for first-time home buyers in rural communities.
Private Resources
IOWA BANKERS ASSOCIATION
Marketing Department
PO Box 6200
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2438
Phone:515/286-4300
Fax:515/280-4140
Toll free:1/800-532-1423
Web: iowabankers.com
Iowa Housing Resources
State of Iowa
Web: iowa.gov
This website is an electronic gateway to Iowa's government, communities and industries. The
network in designed to make the lives of Iowans easier by putting many government interactions
online.
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa50309
Phone: 515/242-4700
Fax:515/242-4809
Email: info@iowalifechanging.com
Web: iowalifechanging.com
The Iowa Department of Economic Development can provide you information on growing or developing your business, traveling to and around our great state, as well as helping Iowa communities grow.
IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
Phone: 515/725-4900or 800/432-7230
Fax: 515/725-4901
Web: ifahome.com
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) is the state's largest financier of affordable housing for low to moderate income Iowans.IFA's home buyer programs assist families in Iowa to become homeowners by providing grants for down payment/closing cost assistance, below market rate loans and other incentives to reduce the amount of interest that is paid on a home loan.IFA administers the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to construct and rehabilitate affordable rental housing throughout the state. In addition, IFA oversees the Housing Assistance Fund which targets loan and grants for a variety of housing projects throughout the state.IFA is committed to maximizing its resources and to encourage the development of creative public/private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable housing for Iowans.
Nonprofit Agencies Housing Resources
IOWA COALITION FOR HOUSING AND THE HOMELESS
713 East Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone:515/288-5022
Fax:515/282-1810
The Iowa Coalition for Housing and the Homeless is a statewide nonprofit agency consisting of low-income housing and homeless service providers, advocates and low-income and homeless individuals. Through policy development, technical assistance and education, the ICHH works to create structural changes that alleviate poverty and empower low-income individuals and their allies in advocating for change. The ICHH can provide information and referrals regarding housing and housing assistance, fair housing issues and tenant legal assistance.
Iowa Home Ownership Education Project (IHOEP)
P.O. Box 6200
8800 NW 62nd Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131
Phone: 515/286-4300
Fax: 515/280-4140
Web: ihoep.com
The Iowa Home Ownership Education Project is an alliance of organizations committed to establishing a statewide home ownership education and counseling initiative.
NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST
1101 30th Street NW Suite 400
Washington, D.C.20007
Phone: 202/333-8931
Fax: 202/833-1031
Web: nhtinc.org
The National Housing Trust is a national nonprofit organization formed to preserve federally-assisted housing for low and moderate income use. The Trust's emphasis is on preserving federally-assisted and insured properties in jeopardy of being lost from the affordable housing stock and on resolving the problems of "troubled" projects that suffer from physical deterioration and/or financial and social distress. The Trust acts as a "hands on" intermediary, while at the same time communicating their experience in and lending expertise to policy makers.The Trust's activities fall into four categories: 1.) Technical assistance to local nonprofit organizations, resident associations and public agencies that are acquiring federally-assisted and insured development to preparing local preservation strategy; 2.) Research and education; 3.) Serving as an information clearinghouse on both LIHPRHA and HUD-assisted and insured "Mark to Market" properties; and 4.) Public policy development.In addition, the Trust recently launched a $2 million pre-development loan fund for acquisition of multifamily properties by nonprofit purchasers. The Trust will consider, on a selective basis, the purchase of HUD properties on its own behalf.
Fair Housing
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street SW Room 5116
Washington, DC 20410-2000
Phone: 800/669-9777
TTD: 800/927-9276
Web: hud.gov
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
210 Walnut Street Room 239
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Attention: Cynthia Ferrell
Phone:515/284-4456
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
400 East 14th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-1858
Phone:515/281-4121 or 800/457-4416
Fax:515/242-5840
Web: iowa.gov
The mission of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is to eliminate discrimination in Iowa.In the area of housing, the ICRC works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to investigate and resolve fair housing complaints.
Iowa Coalition on Housing and the Homeless
713 East Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone:515/288-5022
Fax:515/282-1810
ICHHA can provide information in regard to tenant legal assistance.
Iowa Legal Aid
1111 9th Street Suite 380
Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2527
Phone:515/243-2151 or 800/532-1275
Fax: 515/244-4618
Web: iowalegalaid.org
LSCI can provide services in the area of federally subsidized housing rights, eviction issues, remedying housing defects, discrimination, and certain community development issues.
Persons with Disabilities
Please check out the HUD website.This web site provides additional information on HUD news and Fair Housing issues, as well as HUD initiatives. It also contains general information on accessibility guidelines and the American with Disabilities Act, as well as links to other housing and disability websites.
IOWA ABLE FOUNDATION
Offers loans to Iowans who need to purchase assistive technology such as specialized computers or software, wheelchairs, communication devices, home modifications, vehicle modifications and other devices.
For general information, contact:
Iowa Able Foundation
c/o State Public Policy Group
200 10th Street, Fifth Floor
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)243-2000
(641)856-3350 TTY
info@iowable.org
For loan information or an application, contact:
The Abilities Fund
410 North 18th Street
Centerville, IA 52544
(888)222-8943
(641)856-3350 TTY
prlind@abilitiesfund.org
IOWA COMPASS
Room S295 Center for Disability and Development
100 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1011
Toll-Free: 800/779-2001 (voice and TTY)
Phone: 319/353-8777
Fax: 319/384-5139
Web: medicine.uiowa.edu
Provides information and referral for Iowans with disabilities and their families.
ADA PROJECT HOTLINE
Phone:800-949-4232
Web: adaproject.org
(Great Plains Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center)
Can answer question on the Americans with Disabilities Act in regard to everyday situations with disabilities laws.
CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - IOWA COMMISSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Department of Human Rights
First Floor, Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: 515/281-3957 (Voice and TTY)
Toll Free: 800/652-4298 (Voice and TTY)
Web: iowa.gov
MENTAL ILLNESS ADVOCACY PROJECT
Web: www.ipna.org
IOWA PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY SERVICES/
LEGAL SERVICES OF IOWA
950 Office Park Road #221
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Phone: 515/278-2502
Fax: 515/278-0539
For low income persons who have a mental illness diagnosis. Information and referral to other services, advocacy and legal representation, except for criminal matters, divorce, wills, civil commitment, "fee generating" or "social work" services.
Consumer Credit Counseling
You can rebuild good credit by handling credit responsibly. Counseling services can help.Many organizations, including credit unions, extension services, family services, and religious organization, offer assistance.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
Consumer Response Center
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Room 130
Washington, DC 20580
Phone: 202/382-4357
Fax: 202/326-2012
ftc.gov
Copies of consumer education materials about credit scams are available form the FTC's web site.To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202/326-2710 or 202/326-2222.
National Foundation for Consumer Credit (Greenpath)
Phone:800-550-1961
Web: greenpath.com
One source of information for credit counseling is the NFCC.The foundation has 1,400 members that provide money management techniques, debt payment plans and educational plans to help consumers learn to use credit wisely. To locate the nearest NFCC call the toll-free number 24 hours a day. Many operate under the name of Consumer Credit Counseling.
Debt Counselors of America (Myvesta)
Phone: 800/MYVESTA (698-3782)
Web: myvesta.org
DCA is the nation's first, non profit, Internet based debt counseling service. It assists families with debt, credit, money and financial problems or difficulties.
HUD APPROVED COUNSELING AGENCIES - Several HUD approved counseling agencies
are operating in Iowa. They are helpful in working with all parties and ultimately resolving any
delinquency in mortgage payments. These counselors should be utilized at the first sign of
delinquency. Contact the Des Moines HUD office for a complete list.
Phone 515/284-4512
Consumer Protection Office
Office of the Attorney General
1305 East Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone:515/281-5926Fax:515/281-6771
Toll-Free: 1-888-777-4590
E-mail: consumer@ag.state.ia.us
iowa.gov
This office can provide many consumer tips, including information on identity theft.
Low Income Legal Assistance
Iowa Legal Aid
1111 9th Street, Suite 230
Des Moines, IA 50314-2527
515/243-2151 or 800-532-1275 ext. 1631
Web: iowalegalaid.org
Legal Hotline for Older Iowans
Toll-Free: 800/992-8161
Phone: 515/282-8161
Central Iowa Regional Office
Toll-Free: 800/532-1275
Phone: 515/243-1193
Northwest Iowa Regional Office - Sioux City
Toll-Free: 800/352-0017
Phone: 712/277-8686
North Central Iowa Regional Office - Mason City
Toll-Free: 800/392-0021
Phone: 641/423-4651
Waterloo Regional Office
Toll-Free: 800/722-0039
Phone: 319/235-7008
Southwest Iowa Regional Office - Council Bluffs
Toll-Free: 800-432-9229
Phone: 712/328-3982
Northeast Iowa Regional Office - Dubuque
Toll-Free: 800/942-4619
Phone: 563-588-4653
HELP Legal Assistance - Davenport
Toll-Free: 800/627-1596
Phone: 563/322-6216
Cedar Rapids Regional Office
Toll-Free: 800/332-0419
Phone: 319/364-6108
Southeast Iowa Regional Office - Ottumwa
Toll-Free: 800/452-0007
Phone: 641/683-3166
Iowa City Regional Office
Toll-Free: 800/272-0008
Phone: 319-351-6570
Can help with consumer issues, including home repairs and housing and real estate issues.
The Iowa Judicial Branch web site also has a section on frequently asked questions that might be helpful:judicial.state.ia.us/
If you are a victim of a violent crime, the Crime Victim Assistance Division of the Attorney General's office may be able to help you: iowa.gov
Housing Discrimination Complaints
Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability.If you feel your rights have been violated as you attempt to rent or purchase a home or apartment you can file a fair housing complaint with your local Civil Rights Commission, the State Civil Rights Commission, or with the federal Housing and Urban Development Agency.
Housing and Urban Developmenthud.gov
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Room 5204
451 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20410-2000
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-1004
Toll-Free: 800-457-4416 ext. 14437
Phone: 515-281-4121
Fax: 515-242-5840
Web: iowa.gov
Ames Human Relations Commission
515 Clark Avenue
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 239-5101
Fax: (515) 239-5325
Bettendorf Human Relations Commission
1609 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Phone: (319) 344-4000
Fax: (319) 344-4012
Burlington Human Rights Commission
City Hall
400 Washington
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319)-753-8120
Fax: (319) 753-8101
Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission
220 Clay Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: (319) 273-8600, Ext. 69
Fax: (319) 273-8655
Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
Second Floor, Veterans Memorial Building
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 286-5036
Fax: (319) 286-5136
Clinton Human Rights Commission
611 South 3rd Street, P.O. Box 2958
Clinton, IA 52732-2958
Phone: (563) 242-3207
Fax: (563) 242-7775
Council Bluffs Human Relations Commission
209 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 328-4618
Fax: (712) 322-9255
Davenport Civil Rights Commission
City Hall, 226 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: (563) 326-7888
Fax: (563) 326-7956
Des Moines Human Rights Commission
602 East First Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 283-4284
Fax: (515) 283-4270
ci.des-moines.ia.us/
Dubuque Human Rights Commission
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 589-4190
Fax: (563) 589-4299
Web: cityofdubuque.org
Fort Dodge Human Rights Commission
819 1st Ave. South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone: (515) 576-2201
Fax: (515) 573-5097
Fort Madison Human Rights Commission
811 Avenue E.
Ft. Madison, IA 52627
Phone: (319) 372-7700
Fax: (319) 372-7758
Grinnell Human Rights
197 4th Avenue
Grinnell, IA 50112
Phone: (641) 236-2600
Fax: (641) 236-2626
Indianola Human Rights Commission
110 North 1st, City Hall
Indianola, IA 50125
Phone: (515) 961-9410
Fax: (515) 961-2413
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356-5022
Fax: (319) 356-5009
Web: icgov.org
Keokuk Human Rights Commission
415 Blondeau St.
Keokuk, IA 52632
Phone: (319) 524-2050
Fax: (319) 524-1365
Marshalltown Human Rights Commission
City Hall
24 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Phone: (641) 754-5712
Fax: (641) 754-5717
Mason City Human Rights Commission
10 First Street N.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: (641) 421-3618
Fax: (641) 421-3619
Mount Pleasant Human Rights Commission
2850 Mt. Pleasant Street, Suite 108
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
Phone: (319) 385-1470
Fax (319) 385-4939
Muscatine Human Rights Commission
215 Sycamore
Muscatine, IA 52761
Phone: (563) 264-1550
Fax (563) 264-0750
Ottumwa Human Rights Commission
105 East 3rd
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone: (641) 683-0600
Fax (641) 683-0613
Sioux City Human Rights Commission - City Hall
Karen Mackey, Executive Director
405 - 6th Street, Room 410
P.O. Box 447
Sioux City, IA 51102
Phone: (712) 279-6985 or 6986
Fax: (712) 279-6326
Urbandale Human Rights Commission
3315 70th St
Urbandale, IA 50322-3203
Phone: (515) 331-6704
Fax: (515) 278-3900
Waterloo Commission on Human Rights
620 Mulberry
Carnegie Annex, Suite 101
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-4441
Fax: (319) 291-4431
Web: wplwloo.lib.ia.us
West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
4000 G. M. Mills Parkway
P.O. Box 65320
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515)-222-3664
Fax: (515)-222-3640
LIHEAP
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded program designed to help eligible low income households meet their home heating and/or cooling needs.
Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis at your local Community Action Agency from November 1, 2005 through April 15, 2006 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled member), Monday through Friday, or as posted at the local Outreach/Community Action Agency office.
The LIHEAP program in your community will determine eligibility for the program and the availability of LIHEAP funds are not guaranteed.Most often in Iowa, these funds are spent during the winter.The program may be able to offer you assistance with bill payment, energy crisis help, weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
Any public inquiries can be expressed at: (515) 281-4204
Home Repair Assistance
Polk County Elderly
Phone: 515/286-3679
Phone: 515/283-4182
Rural Areas of Iowa (IDED )
Phone: 515/242-4812
Government Books on Housing Sales & Financing
Consumer Information Center You may also order booklets by calling toll free 1/888-878-3256 or by fax 719/948-9724. There is a $2.00 fee for each order containing free booklets to help defray program costs.
Resources for Renters
COMMUNITY ACTION IN IOWA
Community Action Agencies serve the needs of low income Iowans.Community Action can help you meet your needs in finding long-term solutions to poverty in five areas: coordinating assistance, housing, family support, education and training, and employment. There are 18 regions. The following are the main numbers for the central office in each area. They can refer you to the office nearest you.
City of Des Moines Community Development Department
Counties Served: City of Des Moines Only
602 Robert D. Ray Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Barbara J. Ashton, Community Service Administrator
Phone: 515-283-4180
Fax: 515-237-1687
E-mail: bjashton@dmgov.org
Web: ci.des-moines.ia.us
Community Action of Southeast Iowa
Counties served: Louisa, Henry, Des Moines, and Lee
2850 Mt. Pleasant St., Suite 108
Burlington, IA 52601
Sharon Ford, Executive Director
Phone: 319-753-0193
Fax: 319-753-0687
E-mail: sfordcao@interl.net
Web: iowacommunityaction.com
Community Action Agency of Siouxland
Counties served: Woodbury
2700 Leech Ave
Sioux City, IA 51106
Jean Logan, Executive Director
Phone: 712-274-1610
Fax: 712-274-0368
E-mail: jlogan@caasiouxland.org
Web: caasiouxland.org
Community Opportunities, Inc.
Counties served: Sac, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Audubon, Guthrie, and Dallas
603 W. 8th St., PO Box 427
Carroll, IA 51401
Chad A. Jensen, Executive Director
Phone: 712-792-9266
Fax: 712-792-5723
E-mail: cjensen@commopp.org
Web: iowacommunityaction.com
Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
Counties served: Benton, Linn, Jones, Iowa, Johnson, and Washington
PO Box 490
1515 Hawkeye Drive
Hiawatha, IA 52233
Don W. Maniccia, Executive Director
Phone: 319-393-7811 Ext. 1003
Fax: 319-393-6263
Email: dmaniccia@hacap.org
Web: hacap.org
Iowa East Central T.R.A.I.N.
Counties served: Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott
500 E. 59th Street
Davenport, IA 52807
Roger Pavey, Executive Director
Phone: 563-324-3236
Fax: 563-324-0843
E-mail: rpavey@iowatrain.org
Web: iowatrain.org
MATURA Action Corp.
Counties served: Adair, Madison, Adams, Union, Taylor, and Ringgold
203 W. Adams
Creston, IA 50801
Jerry Smith, Executive Director
Phone: 641-782-8431
Fax: 641-782-6287
E-mail: JerrySmith@maturaaction.org
Web: iowacommunityaction.com
Mid-Iowa Community Action
Counties served: Hardin, Story, Marshall, Tama, and Poweshiek
1001 S. 18th Ave
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Arlene McAtee, Executive Director
Phone: 641-752-7162
Fax: 641-752-9724
E-mail: arlene@micaonline.org
Web: micaonline.org
Mid-Sioux Opportunity
Counties served: Lyon, Sioux, Plymouth, Cherokee, and Ida
418 Marion St., PO Box 390
Remsen, IA 51050
Dick Sievers, Executive Director
Phone: 712-786-2001
Fax: 712-786-3250
E-mail: dsievers@mid-siouxopportunity.org
Web: mid-siouxopportunity.org
North Iowa Community Action Organization
Counties served: Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Mitchell, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, and Butter
PO Box 1627, 218 Fifth Street SW
Mason City, IA 50402-1627
Richard Goerdt, Executive Director
Phone: 641-423-8993
Fax: 641-494-1716
E-mail: rgoerdt@nicao-online.org
Web: nicao-online.org
Northeast Iowa Community Action Corp.
Counties served: Howard, Chickasaw, Bremer, Winneshiek, Fayette, Allamakee, and Clayton
PO Box 487, 305 Montgomery St.
Decorah, IA 52101
Mary Ann Humpal, Executive Director
Phone: 563-382-8436
Fax: 563-382-9854
E-mail: maryann@neicac.org
Web: neicac.org
Operation: New View Community Action Agency
Counties served: Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson
1473 Central Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Tom Stovall, Executive Director
Phone: 563-556-5130
Fax: 563-556-4402
E-mail: tstovall@operationnewview.org
Web: operationnewview.org
Operation Threshold
Counties served: Grundy, Black Hawk, and Buchanan
300 W. Third St.
Waterloo, IA 50701
Barb Grant, Executive Director
Phone: 319-291-2065
Fax: 319-235-1518
E-mail: bgrant@operationthreshold.org
Web: operationthreshold.org
Red Rock Area Community Action Program
Counties served: Boone, Polk, Jasper, Warren, and Marion
1009 S. Jefferson, Ste 2
Indianola, IA. 50125
Bill Peppmeier, Executive Director
Phone: 515-961-6271
Fax: 515-961-6274
E-mail: BPeppmeier@rracap.org
Web: rracap.org
South Central Iowa Community Action Program
Counties served: Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Decatur, and Wayne
1403 NW Church St.
Leon, IA 50144
Jim Smith, Executive Director
Phone: 641-446-4155
Fax: 641-446-3392
E-mail: jsscicap@grm.net
Web: iowacommunityaction.com
Southern Iowa Economic Development Assoc.
Counties served: Mahaska, Keokuk, Wapello, Jefferson, Appanoose, Davis, and Van Buren
PO Box 658, 226 W. Main
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phyllis Runnells, Executive Director
Phone: 641-682-8741
Fax: 641-682-2026
E-mail: phyllis@pcsia.net
Web: sieda.org
Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc.
Counties served: Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, O'Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Webster, and Hamilton
PO Box 519, 101 Robbins Ave.
Graettinger, IA 51342-0328
Vacant, Executive Director
Phone: 712-859-3885
Fax: 712-859-3892
E-mail: lrohret@udmo.com
Web: udmo.com
West Central Development Corp.
Counties served: Monona, Crawford, Harrison, Shelby, Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, and Page
PO Box 709
Harlan, IA 51537
Joel Dirks, Executive Director
Phone: 712-755-5135
Fax: 712-755-3235
E-mail: jdirks@wcdc-caa.com
Web: iowacommunityaction.com
Public Housing & Rental Assistance
Afton Housing Commission 641/347-8826
Agency Area XV Multi County Housing Authority 641/937-5222
Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren, Wapallo, Washington and Wayne Counties
Albia Housing Authority 641/932-7859
Ames Dept. OfPlanning & Housing 515/239-5400
Ankeny Housing Agency 515/932-7859
Bancroft Low Rent Housing Agency 515/885-2655
Bettendorf Housing Authority 563/344-4073
Burlington Low Rent Housing 319/753-2142
Henry, Lee, Louisa, Des Moines and Washington Counties
Burlington Area XVI Regional Housing Authority 319/753-5109
Carroll Region XII Council of Governments 712/792-9914
Autobon, Carrol, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Sac, Harrison, Shelby and 1/2 of Ida County
Cedar Falls Housing Commission 319/273-8606
Cedar Rapids Housing Services 319/286-5873
Cedar RapidsEast Central Iowa Council of Governments 319/365-9941
Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Washington, Cedar (transportation only) and Tama
Centerville Municipal Housing Agency 641/856-8742
Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority 515/453-2323 x207
Dallas, Jasper & Marion Counties
Chariton Housing Board 515/774-2725
Charles City Housing Commission 641/228-6661
Clarinda Low Rent Housing Agency 712/542-2912
Clinton Housing Authority 563/243-1280
Clinton Planning & Community Development 563/242-3207
Corning Housing Commission 641/322-4098
Council Bluffs Municipal Housing Agency 712/322-1491
Council Bluffs Public Housing Section 8 712/322-6931
Creston Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority 641/782-8585
Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clark, Fremont, Taylor, Ringgold, and Decatur Counties
Davenport Housing Commission 563/326-7899
Decorah Low Rent Housing 319/382-8436 ex. 146
Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority515/323-8950
Dubuque Housing Services319/589-4239
Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority 563/556-4166
Dubuque (except the city of Dubuque), Jackson (except Maquoketa), Clinton (except for city of Clinton and Camanche), Cedar, Jones and Delaware Counties
Emmetsburg Low Rent Housing Authority 712/852-4169
Essex Southview Village Low Rent Housing Agency 712/379-3510
Evansdale Municipal Housing 319/234-0385
Farragut Low Rent Housing 712/385-8113
Fort Dodge Housing Agency 515/573-7751
Fort Dodge Mid-Iowa Regional Housing 515/955-8344
Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Wright and Webster (except for the city of Fort Dodge) Counties
Fort Dodge Midas Council of Governments 515/576-7183
Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster and Wright Counties
Fort Madison Housing Authority 319/372-6083
Grinnell Low Rent Housing Authority 641/236-2611
Hamburg Low Rent Housing Agency 712/382-1557
Indianola- Warren County Housing Authority 515/961-1073
Iowa City Housing Authority 319/887-6065
Keokuk Housing Authority 319/524-4386
Knoxville Low Rent Housing Agency 641/828-7371
Lenox Low Rent Housing 641/333-4415
Leon Low Rent Housing 515/446-4163
Lone Tree Low Rent Housing 319/629-4689
Malvern Low Rent Housing 712/624-8561
Manning Municipal Housing Agency 712/655-2155
Maquoketa Housing Authority 563/652-5601
Marshalltown Low Rent Housing Agency 641/754-5756
Marshalltown Region VI Housing Authority 641/752-0717
Marshall (Except for Marshalltown), Hardin, Poweshiek (Except for Grinnell) and Tama Counties
Mason City Low Rent Housing 641/421-3626
Mason City North Iowa Regional Housing 641/423-0897
Kossuth, Winnebago, Hancock, Worth, Cerro Gordo (except for Mason City)Franklin, Floyd (except for Charles City) and Mitchell Counties
Missouri Valley Low Rent Housing 712/642-2458
Mount Ayr Low Rent Housing 641/464-3832
Muscatine City of Muscatine 563/264-1554
New Hampton Municipal Housing Agency 641/394-5260
Northeast Nebraska Joint Housing Authority 712/279-6286 x35
Onawa Low Rent Housing Authority 712/423-1736
Oskaloosa Municipal Housing Agency 641/673-8361
Ottumwa Area XV Regional Planning Commission 641/684-6551
Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Van Buren, Monroe, Wayne and Wapallo Counties
Ottumwa Housing Authority 641/682-8369
Postville Upper Explorerland Regional Housing 563/864-7551
Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties
Red Oak Low Rent Housing Authority 712/623-4558
Rock Rapids Municipal Housing 712/472-3896
Shenandoah Low Rent Housing Agency 712/246-3213
Sidney Low Rent Housing Agency 712/374-2644
Sioux Center Low Rent Housing 712/722-2237
Sioux City Housing Division 712/279-6980
Siouxland Regional Housing Authority 712/252-4520
Plymouth, Monona, Cherokee, Western 1/2 of Ida, and Woodbury (except for Sioux City) counties
Spencer Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority 712/262-7460
Buena Vista, Clay, Dickenson, Emmet, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto,and Sioux counties
Spirit Lake Low Rent Housing Authority 712/336-2318
Stanton Housing Commission 712/829-2504
Tabor Low Rent Housing 712/629-1645
Villisca Housing Authority 712/826-7602
Waterloo Iowa Northland Regional Housing Authority 319/272-1945
Black Hawk (except for Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Evansdale), Bremer Buchanan, Grundy, Chickasaw (except New Hampton)
Waterloo Housing Authority 319/233-0201
Waverly Low Rent Housing Authority 319/352-3394
Winterset Low Rent Housing Agency 515/462-4340
You may also wish to contact your County Department of Human Services (DHS) office.DHS can put you in touch with local housing agencies that may be able to provide vouchers as well as other housing assistance.
Landlord Tenant Disputes
DES MOINES AREA
Mediation Services are provided by:
HOME Inc,
1111 9th Street Suite 210
Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2527
Phone: 515/243-1277
Legal Aid of Polk County
Phone: 515/243-2151
STATEWIDE
Iowa Legal Aid
1111 9th Street Suite 230
Des Moines, Iowa 50314-2527
Toll-Free: 800/532-1275
Phone:515/243-2151
Fax: 515/244-4618
Web: iowalegalaid.org
Professional Association
IOWA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
1370 NW 114th Street
Suite 100515/453-1064
Clive, IA 50325
Fax: 515/453-1070
IOWA MANUFACTURED HOUSING
1400 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Phone: 515/265-1497
Web: manufactured-housing.org
Iowa Landlord Association
Phone: 515/270-2796
These associations have the most up to date information on the local housing market.
Domestic Violence Shelters
Iowa Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline 800/942-0333
National Domestic Violence Hotline 800/799-SAFE
Hotlines can connect you to domestic violence shelters and programs in your area.
Disaster Information
When a presidential disaster has been declared, several federal programs become available to help victims in the recovery process.At that time, there will be an 800 number published where you can call and register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Once you are registered, you will receive a packet of information to complete.Inspectors will then come and look at your home to determine the amount of damage it received.Homeowners may be eligible for low interest loans through the Small Business Administration.For more information about FEMA, check out the website at:www.fema.gov.
If you live in a flood plain, you should have flood insurance on your property.If you have questions about the National Flood Insurance Program, you can call 800/720-1090 or search on the web at:http://www.fema.gov/nfip/
Safe Neighborhoods
Whether you live in an apartment building or own your own home, you will want to live in a safe neighborhood.There are city, state and national groups/agencies that can help you with your questions or in organizing a neighborhood watch association to meet your common goals.Your local police department or community development department should be able to inform you if there is an existing neighborhood watch or neighborhood association.The following are agencies that would also be helpful.
Iowa Crime Prevention Association, Inc
321 Walnut St
P.O. Box 160
Desoto, IA 50069-0160
Toll-Free: 800/355-IOWA
Phone: 515/834-9036
E-mail: iowacrimeprevention@hotmail.com
Web: iowacrimeprevention.com
National Crime Prevention Council
ncpc.org
Govenor's Office on Drug Control Policy
Lucus State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515/242-6391
Web: iowa.gov
GASA coordinates and monitors all statewide narcotics enforcement efforts, state and federal substance abuse treatment grants and programs, and statewide prevention and education programs in communities and schools.The Iowa SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) Community Program is a community mobilization program which serves as a catalyst to help communities to develop a coordinated multifaceted approach to reducing substance abuse at the community level.The centerpiece of the SAFE program is the cooperation and coordination among all segments of the community.
The National Association of Town Watch
1 Wynnewood Road, Suite 102
PO Box 303
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Toll-Free: 800/NITE-OUT
Phone: 610/649-7055
Email: email:info@natw.org
Web: http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/natw
Neighborhood Association Tool Kit - A basic "how-to" guide for neighborhood associations. Includes information on such topics as leadership, meetings, committees, communication tools, finances, stumbling blocks, neighborhood plan guidelines, sample agendas, sample minutes, sample fliers, and publisher information.
City of Phoenix - Neighborhood Services Department
200 West Washington Street 4th Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611
Phone: 602/262-7344
TTD: 602/495-0685
Web: ci.phoenix.az.us
HomeSight - A comprehensive Guide to Housing Resources on the Web
Web: homesight.org
National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise
1424 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-2211
Phone: 202/518-6500
Fax: 202/588-0314
Email: info@ncne.com
Web: www.ncne.com
NCNE's mission is to empower neighborhood leaders to promote solutions that reduce crime and violence, restore families, revitalize low-income communities, and create economic enterprise.
