Funding supports 43 agencies whose combined service areas reach all 99 Iowa counties
(DES MOINES) – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today approved more than $6 million to help organizations across the state provide shelter and services to Iowans facing homelessness or a housing crisis. The funding will support 43 agencies whose combined service areas reach all 99 Iowa counties during the 2027 calendar year.
“For someone facing homelessness, knowing where to turn can make all the difference,” said Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham.
Our local partners help Iowans through some of the hardest moments of their lives. These awards support that work, helping people find a safe place to stay and take the next steps toward a stable home.
Iowans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing can find local assistance at iowafinance.com/homeless-resources.
IFA is also inviting Iowans to support local organizations through its Give Where You Live campaign during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 15–21. Small acts such as volunteering an hour, donating needed items or organizing a group project can help organizations address hunger and homelessness in their communities. Visit iowafinance.com/givewhereyoulive for local needs and ways to participate. Share your efforts using #givewhereyouliveia to encourage others to join.
The funding is made available through the state-funded Shelter Assistance Fund (SAF) and the federal Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs.
The Iowa Finance Authority conducted a two-year competitive application process for the ESG and SAF programs in 2025, while HOPWA funding is distributed by formula using public health data. Applications were scored in several categories, including program design, experience and capacity, community partnerships, performance, budget and grants management.
Emergency Solutions Grant Program
The federal Emergency Solutions Grant program helps Iowans and their families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness. Eligible services include rental and other emergency financial assistance, street outreach, case management and supportive services. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and by the Iowa Finance Authority in Iowa. Twenty-eight agencies were awarded $3,025,640 in 2027 ESG funds.
Shelter Assistance Fund
The state-funded Shelter Assistance Fund helps cover the operating costs of homeless and domestic violence shelters, essential services for individuals in shelters, and evaluation and reporting services. Twenty-one agencies were awarded $1,693,257 in 2027 SAF grants.
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS is a federal program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides housing assistance and related support to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Six agencies were awarded $1,341,059 in 2027 HOPWA grants.