The Polk Count Housing Trust Fund has today opened applications for $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds it will allocate for housing development on behalf of Polk County. The creation of this program was previously announced in April.
PCHTF anticipates its Development Committee will meet on July 20, 2022 to review applications submitted by July 13 (11:59 PM). The first funding decisions would then be announced on August 8 following approval by the PCHTF Board of Directors.
To review the application, submit an application, or review funding criteria, visit this link: https://PCHTF.formstack.com/forms/arpa_special_allocations_2022
- PCHTF
- Apr 5, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4, 2023
On Tuesday, April 5, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a package of housing investments of just more than $15 million that will support long term housing opportunity for some of the region’s most vulnerable people and families.
The County intends to enter into an agreement with the Polk County Housing Trust Fund to manage and allocate funds to local projects under the Capital Funds and Revolving Loan Fund programs. PCHTF will publish additional eligibility and program guidelines in the coming weeks at PCHTF.org.
Funds for the Centralized Homeless Advocates Pilot Program will be managed by Homeward, formerly the Polk County Continuum of Care. Information will be available at homewardiowa.org.
Polk County is making its investments from State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated to the county by the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Capital Funds
Program investment: $12 million
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.
Revolving Loan Fund
Program investment: $3 million
This program develops a revolving loan fund for short-term bridge loans, acquisition loans, and/or funding for due diligence and pre-development expenses. Funded projects should meet the same outcomes as the capital funding program.
Centralized Homeless Advocates - Pilot Program
Program investment: $150,000
This pilot program will support two community advocates for a two-year period. These advocates would not be tied to a specific program and would provide additional support to individuals beyond the current role of housing navigator. The advocates will support individuals to find permanent housing. They will be trained in trauma-informed and healing-centered care, housing first, equity, and other evidence based practices.
- PCHTF
- Feb 7, 2022
- 2 min read
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) has awarded $953,240 in grants and forgivable loans to support the construction, preservation, and success of housing in Polk County. The funds provided to seven area organizations and developers will support an additional 116 units of housing in the community, as well as capital improvement and technical assistance to other housing projects.
“Once again the community submitted a wide range of applications for these grant programs and demand again outstripped the supply of funds,” said Eric Burmeister, executive director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund. “We are proud to partner with a variety of developers in the community to continue to deliver quality housing the community needs.”
Funding PCHTF announced this month fit within several lines of its grant making plan for housing development known as the Housing Allocation Plan which is approved annually by the organization’s board of directors. Funds for these awards come from the State Housing Trust Fund administered by the Iowa Finance Authority as well as Polk County.
This is the last significant funding announcement for housing construction PCHTF will make in its current fiscal year ending June 30; however, the organization in June will award grants to nonprofits who provide programs and supportive services to people who need housing. The organization summarizes all its housing investments in its annual report.
The latest estimate from the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Polk County has a shortage of over 10,000 housing units that are affordable and available to extremely low-income households, including a percentage section of the hourly wage workforce, and many seniors and people with disabilities.
“We extend our appreciation to both those who provide the funding support, as well as the grant applicants who envision what is possible when we invest in a better community for all,” said Cole McClelland, recently elected PCHTF Board Chair. “Clearly the need is greater than the resources, but we have great confidence in what is possible through regional collaboration backed by funding that matches with the growing need for housing.”
View a summary of funded projects and programs