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.
Here you can find information about funds for housing development as well as programs and supportive services 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 our community resource page.
Housing Development
2023 Housing Allocation Plan
Funds for most of our programs are allocated according to our housing allocation plan. You can download the plan here.
You will also want to download the 2022 guide to rents and household incomes that apply under our development programs.
Development funding programs
New rental development
This program supports and funds additional safe, well-built, affordable rental housing units in Polk County, Iowa. The deadline to submit an application was February 8, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
Single family homeownership
This program assists low-moderate income residents in buying safe, well built, affordable single family housing units in Polk County. The deadline to submit an application is March 8, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
Pre-development technical assistance
Supports affordable housing, planning, and facilitates organizations that sponsor such housing. This application remains open until funds are expended for the year.
Capacity building
Supports programs that preserve or preserve units. This application opens July 1 each year and remains open until all funds are expended. All funds have been expended for FY2023 and the application is now closed.
Owner occupied repair
For nonprofits and local governments to sustain affordability and vitality while maintaining safe and environmentally healthy housing stock. The application is closed; applications were due November 8, 2022 by 3:00 pm.
2022 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Special Allocation
On April 5, 2022, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a package of housing investments using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds including $12 million in capital funds to develop and improve multifamily housing.
This program supports the acquisition, conversion and/or construction of permanent multi-family housing with an emphasis on supportive housing for underserved populations (homeless, re-entry, senior, households with children). Supportive housing services should target lifestyle intervention with options for education and workforce training.
PCHTF is currently evaluating round 3 applications for this funding opportunity. The cutoff to submit for review of these applications was 11:59 pm on January 10, 2023.
Applicants to this program will also need to download and use our excel budget template to submit your application.
Program & Supportive Services Funds
The purpose of this program is to bridge the gap between affordable housing and families in our community by funding programs and services that improve resident stability and self-sufficiency and lead to successful housing outcomes.
The application for this program is open until March 28, 2023 at noon.
The funds distributed through this program come from private gifts made by businesses, organizations, and individuals through our Stable, Steady Strong investment campaign.