Iowans, communities affected by flooding can now apply for state housing programs

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Many Iowans and Iowa communities are still trying to deal with the aftermath of historic flooding. Fortunately, there are new sources of help now.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office announced in a press release that applications are being accepted starting Monday, July 15, for state housing programs through the State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program. The program offers financial assistance for the development of new housing for sale or rent. It offers $1 million per project to assist in the development of housing units for sale and rent.

Preference will be given to single-family detached units, duplex and townhouse-style developments. The housing under the projects must be in counties that are eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance under a federal disaster declaration.

Reynolds announced the program on July 11 , and it is being administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority .

“Rebuilding housing for thousands of displaced Iowans presents a significant opportunity for their personal recovery as well as the economic recovery and growth of their communities,” Reynolds said. “These programs are a crucial first step in ensuring Iowans can rebuild and continue to thrive in the communities they call home.”

In addition to the new housing program, Reynolds also activated the Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program for homeowners. This program will help meet the need for housing recovery outside of what insurance coverage and FEMA individual assistance can provide, the release said. Those eligible can received up to $50,000 for the repair or rehabilitation of homes impacted by disaster.

Those affected by the flooding and included in a federal disaster declaration are eligible to apply. Those counties include Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Emmet, Harrison, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union, and Woodbury at the time of publishing.

Before applying for the state Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program, homeowners must first be registered for FEMA Individual Assistance and have been awarded some form of FEMA housing assistance, which may include home repairs or temporary housing. You can register for FEMA Individual Assistance in the following ways:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Download and use the FEMA app
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to apply or get application assistance

Homeowners must also have filed a claim with their insurance company and have received final approval or denial of their claim. Applicable FEMA and insurance documentation is requested as part of the application process.

Applications for both state programs are available on IowaGrants.gov . First-time users must create an account. A short instructional video will help applicants with the login process. A call center is also available for those who need additional assistance with their application.

• The State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program application is open now for developers. The program ID is 571222.
• The Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program application is open now for disaster-impacted homeowners. The program ID is 28.

For information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov .

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