Iowa Finance Authority Invests $1.3 Million to Prevent Homelessness Statewide

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DES MOINES – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently awarded more than $1.3 million to bolster homelessness prevention efforts in every Iowa county. Funding comes through the new Iowa Homelessness Prevention Fund (IHPF) and will help hundreds of Iowans at-risk of homelessness. 

“The Iowa Finance Authority is proud to invest in proactive solutions that support Iowans at risk of homelessness,” said IFA and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham.

I commend our Board of Directors for their commitment to innovation and their responsiveness to the needs of communities across the state. This investment reflects our dedication to strengthening housing stability statewide.

Debi Durham

The IHPF builds on the success of IFA’s Rapid Rehousing Project Pilot Program, with a refined focus on homelessness prevention. The fund supports flexible, community-driven interventions such as short-term financial assistance (paid to landlords, utility service providers or other third-parties), landlord mediation, housing navigation services, and case management to keep individuals and families stably housed and out of emergency shelters or unsheltered homelessness.

Unlike traditional HUD-funded programs, the IHPF takes a broader view of homelessness, expanding eligibility to include Iowans who are doubled-up or “couch-surfing,” a reality often faced by youth and in rural communities. This broader approach allows partner agencies greater flexibility to meet the unique and immediate needs of their communities, including for those who may not qualify for other forms of assistance.

Awards were distributed to partner agencies that participated in the pilot program. In total, $1,335,000 was allocated from IFA’s FY2026 Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund, as approved by the IFA Board.

Individuals in need of homelessness assistance should visit iowahousinghelp.com or call the coordinated entry system at 833-739-0065. Residents of Des Moines or Polk County should call centralized intake at 515-248-1850. Residents in the Siouxland area should visit siouxlandhomeless.org or call 712-224-5247.

View the full list of award recipients.