The State of Iowa has recently created some new housing assistance options for residents that have been affected by natural disasters. Major damage from floods and tornadoes in the state prompted the need for more immediate assistance. Among the options available are the Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP), State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program, and the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program.

The DRTHP has a goal to provide temporary sheltering options for eligible disaster survivors as they pursue long term housing solutions. For this program housing options may include recreational vehicles and travel trailers, for up to six  months at no cost for Iowans whose homes were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable in counties un the federal disaster declaration. This includes the SWIPCO region counties of Harrison, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, and Shelby.

Individuals looking for this assistance will need to start by registering for the FEMA Individual Assistance at disasterassistance.gov. The State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program is meant to provide financial assistance for the development of for sale and rental housing in cities impacted by disasters. Counties in the region include Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. The grant will provide up to $50,000 per unit with a maximum project award of $1,000,000.

The State Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program will provide financial assistance to eligible homeowners affected by recent natural disasters, ultimately helping them to expedite repairs to their homes. Eligible homes must be located in a county approved for FEMA Individual Assistance following presidential natural disaster dedclarations this spring and summer.

SWIPCO region counties include Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. This program could potentially award an affected resident $50,000 for repair/rehab of their affected homes. Other nearby counties that are eligible for all programs are Adair, Adams, Ringgold, and Union.

A full list of eligible counties in the state and more information on all the types of housing assistance can be found at https://www.iowa.gov/resources-0/housing-information . Both State program applications are open at iowagrants.gov. Cities, counties, non-profits, and foundations interested in obtaining pre-constructed housing through the Homes for Iowa Program can contact SWIPCO for information or start by visiting https://www.swipco.org/housing-swihtf/homes-for-iowa/