Funding to build & improve housing and services
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund allocates funds to organizations working to increase the supply and quality of affordable housing in Polk County, Iowa.
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Here you can find information about funds for housing development as well as supportive programs for people who need housing.
Please note these funds are not available for individuals. If you are an individual who needs help with your housing, see pchtf.org/housinghelp.
Housing Allocation Plan
FY2026 Housing Allocation Plan
The schedule and resources available for many PCHTF development programs are set forth in an annual Housing Allocation Plan which contains a summary of key program rules and guidelines. You may download the FY2026 plan below.
Last approved June 6, 2025. Each year's plan is typically released in June. The Trust Fund runs on a July 1-June 30 fiscal year.
Last updated by HUD on April 1, 2024. Updates typically occur in April.
Program applications​
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​Homelessness assistance programs
Programs that support homeless individuals either by Centralized Intake or permanent supportive housing that accepts clients from Centralized Intake. Application opens June 13, 2025. The application will close on July 8, 2025 at noon. The application is available here: https://PCHTF.formstack.com/forms/fy2026_homelessness_assistance_programs
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Owner occupied repair
For nonprofits and local governments to sustain affordability and vitality while maintaining safe and environmentally healthy housing stock. Application opens September 26, 2025.
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New rental development
This program supports and funds additional safe, well-built, affordable rental housing units in Polk County, Iowa. Application opens October 10, 2025.
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Single family homeownership
This program assists low-moderate income residents in buying safe, well built, affordable single family housing units in Polk County. Application opens December 5, 2025.
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Capital improvement of existing rental housing
Supports programs to improve currently available rental units. Application opens February 6, 2026.
Revolving loan program
The Polk County Supervisors have provided PCHTF $3 million to seed a revolving loan fund for nonprofit developers of affordable housing working in Polk County.
The fund is intended to provide short term financing for uses including site acquisition or land purchase for affordable housing projects, construction financing for affordable housing projects, or bridge loans.
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For program guidelines and to learn how to apply, send an e-mail to Mark Thompson, mthompson@pcthf.org.
Community Investment Grants
This program was previously known as Programs and Supportive Services (PSS)
PCHTF Community Investment funding provides investment and support into programmatic needs for organizations managing housing-focused programs in Polk County. It bridges the gap between affordable housing and families in our community to improve resident stability and self-sufficiency for successful housing outcomes.​
The funds distributed through this program come from private gifts made by businesses, organizations, and individuals through our Navigating Housing Together investment campaign.