USDA Rural Development is working with rural communities to create jobs, expand opportunity, encourage innovation and build a strong foundation for the future. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly. USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities. “It’s through housing programs like this one that we work to ensure that as many rural Iowans as possible have access to adequate housing.” “Each year USDA Rural Development invests more than $200 million in loans and grants that provide rural Iowa residents with decent, safe and sanitary housing,” Menner said. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $3 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Iowa families. To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s housing programs please call (515) 284-4444, email or visit USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa. Homes repaired with these funds must be located in communities of less than 20,000 people or in rural areas.Īlong with loans and grants to repair homes, USDA Rural Development has two low-interest, no-down-payment loan programs to help eligible families purchase new homes. Funds can also be used for insulation, electrical, plumbing, septic and water systems, and to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities. Through this program a family can get a $3,000 loan that has a monthly payment as low as $13.80.”Įxamples of eligible home repair projects include, but are not limited to, repair/replacement of storm doors, windows, steps, furnaces, water heaters or roofs. “These loans and grants help eligible families make needed repairs that they otherwise couldn’t afford,” said Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa. Grants are available to help applicants who are 62 or older, and who cannot repay a loan, remove health and safety hazards or to make the home accessible for a disabled family member. Loans have a fixed interest rate as low as one percent and typically may be repaid over a term of 20 years. If your house is in need of essential repairs such as a new furnace, roof, siding, or accessibility improvements, USDA Rural Development’s home repair low-interest loan and/or grant program is available to help eligible households make needed improvements. Renters must meet the income guidelines and their landlord must comply with other program requirements.Iowa’s cold and windy winters, which average more than 30 inches of snow, ice and rain, can take a toll on homes, especially older ones with aging roofs, siding or windows. The program is available to renters and owners whether they live in mobile homes, traditional wood-framed homes or apartments. The Weatherization Assistance Program, led by Commerce and administered by local Community Action agencies, uses various measures to increase energy efficiency in homes while strengthening the health and safety of the home. Weatherizing and repairs to heating and cooling systems will allow saved dollars to be used for other necessities.” “Low-income homes spend a much higher percentage of their income on energy. “This year’s increase in funding will allow us to expand our ability to serve the residents of North Dakota,” said Shawn Kessel, Commerce chief operating officer and deputy commissioner. The combination of funding received is a 32% increase from the previous year. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and $3 million in funding for the LIHEAP Emergency Furnace and Cooling Repair and Replacement Program. Department of Energy, $2 million in funding for weatherization from the U.S. Community Services received more than $2.89 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program from the U.S.