DES MOINES – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors recently approved more than $6.5 million in grants to support the development of a total of 34 rental homes and supportive services for individuals experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Davenport, Dubuque, Grinnell and Ottumwa. The funding is made available through the Federal HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) and National Housing Trust Fund programs.
“Homelessness may look different in a rural town than in an urban neighborhood, but the need is just as urgent,” said Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham. “The grants announced today will provide critical housing in four communities across Iowa and support Iowans working to regain stability.”
“We’re working to meet people where they are, including in communities like Grinnell and Ottumwa, so individuals can stay close to the support systems they rely on,” said CISS CEO Melissa O’Neil.
By investing in preventative solutions, we’re able to support individuals on the verge of homelessness and help prevent them from becoming unhoused in the first place.
Award Summary
HOME-ARP
Grinnell and Ottumwa Housing Project
Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) will use a $3.6 million HOME-ARP grant to support the development of 13 affordable housing units in Ottumwa and four in Grinnell for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The grant award includes more than $2.7 million in development funds, $600,000 for supportive services and $300,000 in nonprofit operating funds.
Boundless on Bluff – Dubuque
Dubuque Initiatives 1700 LLC was awarded more than $1.1 million to assist in transforming an empty infill loft in the Jackson Place Historic District of downtown Dubuque into six permanent affordable 2-bedroom housing units for families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The project was also awarded more than $226,000 in supportive service funds.
National Housing Trust Fund
Humility Homes Permanent Supportive Housing – Davenport
Humility Homes Services, Inc. will use a $1.65 million National Housing Trust Fund grant to help bring 11 new Permanent Supportive Housing units to Davenport in partnership with Gratus Development. These rental homes will serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness, offering stable housing paired with supportive services. The development includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units in quadplex and triplex buildings, designed so each household has its own front door.
Humility Homes and Gratus Development took part in Iowa’s first Supportive Housing Institute in 2025, where they shaped the concept that led to this development. Hosted by IFA in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a national leader in the field, the five-month Institute guided teams through creating strategic, income-targeted housing with supportive services for Iowans with the greatest needs, especially those experiencing homelessness.
More information on the HOME-ARP and National Housing Trust Fund programs is available at iowafinance.com.
HOME-ARP
The HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) program was created under the American Rescue Plan to reduce homelessness and increase housing stability. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Iowa received a one-time allocation of approximately $29 million in HOME-ARP funds, administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
National Housing Trust Fund
The National Housing Trust Fund, also administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides annual funding to states to increase and preserve the supply of affordable housing for extremely low-income households and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.