Northwest Iowa Homeowners Can Get Up to $37,500 for Critical Home Repairs

Free Money for Iowa Home Repairs Is Available Right Now

If you own a home in northwest Iowa and it needs repairs, there is money available to help you pay for them — and you may not have to pay all of it back. The Regional Housing Trust Fund, run by the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission, is actively taking applications from homeowners who need critical repairs.

"We do have a lot of money to spend," said program coordinator Staci Kleinhesselink. They are working hard to get the word out because there are still funds from 2024, 2025, and 2026 to be used.

Which Counties Are Covered?

The program covers nine counties in northwest Iowa:

• Lyon County
• O'Brien County
• Osceola County
• Sioux County
• Buena Vista County
• Clay County
• Dickinson County
• Emmet County
• Palo Alto County

How Much Money Can You Get?

The program has two options based on your income:

Option 1 — Forgivable Loan (Up to $12,500)

If your household income is below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for your county, you can get up to $12,500 as a forgivable loan. As long as you stay in your home for five years and do not sell it, you do not have to pay any of it back.

Option 2 — Grant and Loan Combo (Up to $37,500)

If your income is between 31% and 80% of AMI, you can get a mix of a grant and a low-interest loan:

• Up to $12,500 as a grant (no payback)
• Up to $25,000 as a low-interest loan at just 2% interest over 10 years

That is a total of up to $37,500 to fix up your home. You will need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for this option.

What Repairs Are Covered?

The program covers critical, essential repairs to your home. This includes things like roofing, foundation issues, heating systems, and other major repairs that affect the safety and habitability of your home.

Who Qualifies?

• You must own your home and have your name on the deed
• Your income must fall below 80% of the AMI for your county
• You must live in one of the nine covered counties

How to Apply

Contact the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission in Spencer, Iowa to start your application. The program is actively enrolling new applicants right now.

Do not wait — the program is trying to spend down existing funds and can work with you on your project timeline.