Assessment & Planning
The Trust Fund is the only organization operating in Polk County whose focus is on the entire continuum of affordable housing — from homelessness to homeownership. Because its view is broad, the PCHTF is able to help multiple service providers work together to serve the evolving needs of individuals and families.
While the view is broad it is also long range — needs, circumstances and funding opportunities change. Often this change can be anticipated. Anticipating and planning for that change is value that the PCHTF brings to the community. Positioning Polk County and its service providers to be prepared for the best use of resources is a basic function the Trust Fund.
Because the PCHTF is the only organization with this broad and long range vision, it is often called upon to work as a manager and fiscal agent in times of crisis. During natural disasters and large dislocations of low income persons the Trust Fund becomes the organization to mobilize and manage multiple provider organizations working with those in need. The PCHTF is a trusted fiscal agent for deployment of monies raised by community groups to assist in these difficult situations.
Recently the funding community has recognized the ability of the PCHTF to deploy monies for special projects that target specific needs or neighborhoods. When a project requires the work and cooperation of multiple organizations working around housing issues the PCHTF is the leader in providing powerful solutions.
The broad and long range vision of the PCHTF makes it uniquely positioned to engage in advocacy activities for affordable housing on the local, state and national levels. State and local policymakers are members of the Board of Directors. Strategic relationships with government and business groups allow the PCHTF to ensure that good housing policy is included in unified national policy statements that come from the Des Moines metropolitan area.
