DES MOINES – Governor Reynolds today (Thursday) announced a total of nearly $20 million in investments to advance homeownership opportunities for more than 90 families through the development and rehabilitation of single-family homes and down payment assistance initiatives in dozens of Iowa communities. The grants were awarded to 16 organizations, including 12 Habitat for Humanity affiliates throughout the state to assist in meeting local housing needs.  Among the grant recipients is Iowa Habitat for Humanity, serving parts of southern Iowa, including Creston ($1,023,014 for six housing units), and, the Region 12 Council of Governments, serving 13 western Iowa communities, among them is: Audubon; Carroll; Denison; Adel; Sac City, Guthrie Center; De Soto and Redfield. The Region 12 COG received a grant amounting to $850,000, for five housing units.

Governor Reynolds says “We know that homeownership is the leading driver of wealth creation.  The investments announced today will not only assist many Iowan families in opening the door to homeownership, upward economic mobility and the ability to live in the communities where they work.”  Lisa Houser, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Iowa, said “The awards made to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state will fuel a historic and transformational investment into sustainable homeownership opportunities for Iowans. Habitat for Humanity of Iowa commends Gov. Reynolds’ commitment and leadership in advancing housing opportunities for Iowans.”

Examples of projects awarded funds include: 

• The construction of 69 single-family homes by Habitat for Humanity affiliates to be sold to income eligible families in communities throughout the state.  
• The development of six 3-D printed homes for first-time homebuyers in Muscatine with a specific focus on qualified first-time homebuyer teachers. 

The program had $20 million available for awards and received 24 applications requesting more than $30 million in funding.  The Iowa HOME Grant Program was created as a part of Gov. Reynolds’ $100 million investment to increase the supply of housing options and protect and expand housing opportunities for Iowans to live in or near the communities where they work. The funds are made available through Federal American Rescue Act State and Local Fiscal Relief Funds.