PCHTF looks back on 'unprecedented' year
Annual report highlights the role PCHTF plays supporting housing choice in our community
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund has released our annual report for 2021, titled In These Unprecedented Times. The report covers the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, and is relased following our board of directors' acceptance of our annual audit at their October meeting.
The report is available for download using the link at the bottom of this page. PCHTF also prepared a 4 minute summary of report highlights available on our YouTube channel.
In the report, PCHTF's board chair Jeff Damman shares this letter reflecting on the year:
Forgive me for thinking like a 35-year banker, but what comes to mind today as I introduce you to the recent work of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund is how if we had a dollar for every time the word “unprecedented” was used in 2020 and 2021, we’d have enough money to buy affordable housing for all who need it. In all seriousness, this admittedly overused, yet most appropriate word, captures a time in history none of us have ever experienced and whose continued impact will be with us for decades, if not generations.
I was particularly proud of our organization’s eviction prevention efforts as we partnered with Polk County, Iowa Legal Aid, and the Polk County Continuum of Care (now “Homeward”) at the Polk County Justice Center. There, on folding tables in a makeshift space amid the pandemic, we worked with tenants and landlords to keep 1,017 of our community’s families in their homes.
A public thank you to my fellow board members, committee members, community leaders, funders, and the trust fund’s small but mighty staff. In the past year and a half there were many times when our community’s social safety net was down to a thread, and yet we stayed strong — focused on our vision that everyone should have equal opportunity for safe, stable, and affordable homes within the communities they choose to live work, play, and learn.
And finally, I’d like to thank you. Whatever your story, interest, or connection to housing, now more than ever you are needed and appreciated.
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