McCurdy said a primary use of the funds is a home buyer assistance program that can help those in need buy homes with up to 7 percent – up to a maximum of $7,000 – in assistance in meeting the purchase price. While the program benefits first-time home buyers, it also includes current homeowners.

Those who receive $7,000 can qualify for $4,000 in the form of a five-year forgivable loan. If they live in the house for five years, $4,000 of the $7,000 is forgiven. The remaining $3,000 is treated as a 1 percent loan. McCurdy said the majority of the grant funds however, will go towards repairing homes for low-income homeowners in the case of imminent health and safety issues, such as when a furnace  quits during the winter and needs to be replaced.

McCurdy said the grant does not cover Council Bluffs because the city receives its own version of funds. He said the waiting list to receive aid stands at about 300 homes right now. Some homeowners can receive aid more quickly, depending on their situations, he said. The counties that participate in the program help fund it, McCurdy said, by matching the money into the trust fund.

McCurdy said demolition is part of the program as well. If a city acquires a blighted house, the funds can be used to help pay up to 50 percent of the demolition costs.