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Iowa REALTOR® Awarded $150,000 Grant to Assist Iowans Displaced By April Tornadoes

News

May 13th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Following devastating storms in southwestern and central Iowa, the Iowa Association of REALTORS® wants to ensure Iowans are afforded the resources to rebuild their homes and sense of community. Today (Monday), IAR announced the launch of a grant program providing individuals impacted by recent storms with funds to help with their mortgage or rental payments.  In partnership with the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF), IAR will provide up to $1,500 in mortgage and rental payments due to displacement, to individuals who primarily reside in Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Ringgold, Shelby, Union, and Pottawattamie counties.

Gavin Blair, CEO of Iowa Realtors said “We are thrilled to partner with the REALTOR® Relief Foundation to provide $150,000 in grants to Iowans who suffered displacement due to recent tornadoes in Southwest and Central Iowa. The devastation caused by these storms is immense and it will take the entire community of Iowa to help ensure these communities can once again thrive. Iowa REALTORS® stand behind our communities and are ready to provide support, both financially and physically, to help get Iowans back home.”

Severe storms and 24 tornadoes wreaked havoc on many parts of Iowa on April 26. More than 300 residences and buildings were damaged during the storms, significantly impacting the housing for hundreds of Iowans.IAR

Qualifications for the REALTORS® Relief Foundation assistance include:
  • Individual grants may be approved up to a limit of $1,500 per household.
  • Recipient must be a primary resident of the following counties: Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Ringgold, Shelby, Union, and Pottawattamie
Assistance is available to qualified applicants as one of the following options:
  • Monthly mortgage expense for the primary residence that was damaged during the severe storms on April 26, 2024.
  • Rental cost due to displacement from the primary residence resulting from the severe storms of April 26, 2024.
  • Reimbursement for hotel lodging required due to displacement from primary residence as a result of severe storms on April 26. 2024. Reimbursement only covers hotel room and tax costs.
  • Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $1,500 per household.
All grants are contingent upon the availability of funds. As a result, aid will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications close on June 28, 2024.
Learn more about Tornado Relief