The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) has announced that our board of directors this month has approved $400,000 in grant awards to 11 programs at local non-profit organizations through the organization’s Community Investment grantmaking program. These grants bridge the gap between affordable housing and people in our community through programs that support the stability of families, a steady workforce, and strong and economically vital neighborhoods and communities.
"This ongoing funding initiative is critical so people and families in Greater Des Moines have the support they need to find and keep stable housing. We thank the many participating community members for their investments, which in turn allow us to thoughtfully invest in much-needed programs that help thousands of people every year,” said Julian Neely, PCHTF’s director of advancement and community investment.
The Community Investment funds PCHTF allocates are unique because they come from local businesses, organizations, and individuals through the PCHTF’s Stable Steady Strong fundraising campaign. This supplements PCHTF’s operational funding and “bricks-and-mortar” development programs to create housing, which are funded by Polk County and the State Housing Trust Fund administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
Thanks to the operating support PCHTF receives from Polk County, PCHTF grants 100% of funds raised through Stable Steady Strong out to local nonprofit partners providing programs and services that meet critical needs in the community. Programs receiving Community Investment grants support one or more of the following priorities: homeownership counseling and education, housing-focused case management, resident services, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing programs.
To learn more about Stable Steady Strong and the investments it supports in our community — or to make a contribution in support of this program, visit our website https://www.pchtf.org/stablesteadystrong/ .
Organization - Program name | Grant awarded |
|---|---|
Anawim Housing – Supporting Tenants and Housing Retention Program | $85,000 |
CommonBond Communities - Des Moines Program | $20,000 |
Families Forward - The Home Connection | $25,000 |
HOME, Inc. - Housing Counseling Program | $20,000 |
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - Homeless and At-Risk Youth Project | $70,000 |
Iowa Legal Aid - Polk County Housing Stability | $30,000 |
Oakridge Neighborhood - Family and Workforce Services | $65,000 |
Primary Health Care - Client Assistance Program | $25,000 |
Primary Health Care - Landlord Mitigation | $20,000 |
The Beacon - The Graduate Support Program | $20,000 |
YMCA Supportive Housing - Graduate Program | $20,000 |
Updated: Jun 8, 2023
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) recently awarded $689,528 in grants to 18 programs at local non-profit organizations through the organization’s Programs and Supportive Services (PSS) program. These grants bridge the gap between affordable housing and families in our community through programs that support housing stability, affordability, justice, and access.
“PCHTF is committed to providing housing stability for all members of our community. We partner with a network of organizations to provide resources and support where they are needed most, and again this year, the community helped us raise the total we could award to its highest level yet for the PSS program,” said Ena Babic Barnes, PCHTF board member and chair of the committee responsible for allocating funds.
The PSS funds PCHTF allocates are unique because they come from community businesses, organizations, and individuals through the PCHTF’s Stable Steady Strong fundraising effort. This supplements PCHTF’s operational funding and “bricks-and-mortar” development grant funds, which are provided by Polk County and the State Housing Trust Fund administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
Thanks to the operating support PCHTF receives from Polk County, PCHTF grants 100% of funds invested through Stable Steady Strong out to local nonprofit partners who provide programs and services that meet critical needs in the community.
“We are grateful for the community’s help securing the needed funds for this work, which allows us to increase our investments where they will be most impactful—supporting equitable housing opportunity. While we have achieved so much, the need continues, and we will keep working with our supporters and the community so that everybody in Polk County has safe, stable, and affordable housing,” said Mollie Giller, PCHTF’s director of programs and supportive services.
To learn more about Stable Steady Strong and the investments it supports in our community — or to make a contribution in support of this program, visit our website https://www.pchtf.org/stablesteadystrong/ .
Updated: Feb 20, 2023
Applications for the Polk County Housing Trust Fund's Programs and Supportive Services (PSS) grant opportunity are open until March 28, 2023 at noon. Here's what to know if you're a non-profit organization thinking about applying.
These PSS funds support non-profit 501c3 organizations helping Polk County residents find safe, stable housing. Programs can support individuals earning at or below 80% of Area Median Income and support for extremely low income individuals (at or under 30% of AMI are preferred).
Grant recommendations are made by a funding committee and approved by the PCHTF board of directors. Applications are evaluated by the program's ability to help people find stable housing (defined as living at the same address one to two years or longer) as well as how the programs contribute to affordability, justice and accessibility of housing.
PSS funds are contributed by businesses, organizations, and individuals in our community who invest in our Stable Steady Strong campaign. You can join them by giving online at PCHTF.org/donate.
Full details about this funding program can be found here - as well as the link to apply. Applications will be open February 20 until March 28, 2023.
This blog post was updated on February 20 to reflect the fact that applications are now open.