The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Awards $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity Affiliates to Support Construction of Homes in Newton and Waterloo

three people working on the exterior of a house

The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors recently awarded $100,000 in State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) grants to the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity and Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity to support the construction of homes in Newton and Waterloo. This funding is made available through the State Housing Trust Fund’s Project-Based Housing Program. 

“Habitat for Humanity affiliates are crucial partners in expanding housing opportunities for Iowans,” said IFA and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham. “By working together, we can ensure that families in Newton and Waterloo have access to safe, stable homes they can truly call their own.”

“The State Housing Trust Fund remains an invaluable resource for communities across Iowa, empowering both public and private investments to create lasting change,” said Habitat for Humanity of Iowa Executive Director Lisa Houser.

The families benefiting from this partnership won’t just gain a place to live, they’ll have a strong foundation to build a brighter future.

Lisa Houser

Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Newton- $50,000

The Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity will use the $50,000 grant to support the construction of a new single-family home on an infill lot in Newton. The 1,158-square-foot home will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full unfinished basement and a storage shed.

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, Waterloo- $50,000

Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will use the $50,000 grant to support the construction of a single-family home on an infill lot in Waterloo. The 1,300 square foot home will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full unfinished basement and a detached garage.

Both homes will be sold to income-qualified partner families who will complete financial literacy, homeownership and foreclosure prevention education along with required sweat equity hours prior to closing. 

The State Housing Trust Fund (SHTF) has awarded over $136.5 million in funding and has assisted 42,238 affordable housing units since the program’s inception in 2003. These awards have leveraged an additional $188.8 million.