(DES MOINES) – Governor Reynolds today announced that applications are now being accepted for state housing programs she launched during a press conference last week.  “Rebuilding housing for thousands of displaced Iowans presents a significant opportunity for their personal recovery as well as the economic recovery and growth of their communities,” said Gov. Reynolds. “These programs are a crucial first step in ensuring Iowans can rebuild and continue to thrive in the communities they call home.”

The State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program provides financial assistance for the development of new housing for sale or rent in counties eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance under a federal disaster declaration. It offers developers grant funding of up to $1 million per project to assist in the development of housing units for sale and rent, with a preference given to single-family detached units, duplex and townhouse style developments. The program will be administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).

Additionally, Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation activating the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program for homeowners. The program addresses unmet housing recovery needs outside the scope of insurance coverage or FEMA Individual Assistance. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for the repair or rehabilitation of their disaster-impacted homes.

Homeowners who live in counties included in a federal disaster declaration are eligible to apply. These counties currently include Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Emmet, Harrison, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union and Woodbury. Additional counties could be added over time if approved by FEMA for federal disaster assistance.

Before applying for the state Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program, homeowners must first be registered for FEMA Individual Assistance and have been awarded some form of FEMA housing assistance, which may include home repairs or temporary housing. You can register for FEMA Individual Assistance in the following ways:

Homeowners must also have filed a claim with their insurance company and have received final approval or denial of their claim. Applicable FEMA and insurance documentation is requested as part of the application process.

Applications for both state programs are available on IowaGrants.gov. First-time users must create an account. A short instructional video will help applicants with the login process. A call center is also available for those who need additional assistance with their application.

For information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov.