$50,000 in State Grants Earmarked for Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa
Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa is set to receive a substantial boost of $50,000 thanks to the Iowa Finance Authority’s support through the State Housing Trust Fund’s Project-Based Housing program. This funding will be specifically earmarked for the construction of two single-family homes in Mason City.
Melissa Schoneberg, the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa, expressed gratitude for the generous support, emphasizing its significance in fulfilling the organization’s mission to provide homes and empower families in their pursuit of homeownership within the community.
The homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity will ultimately be sold to income-qualified homebuyers. These buyers will not only gain access to affordable housing but will also receive essential financial guidance, home repair assistance, homeownership education, and foreclosure prevention support. Additionally, they will be required to complete designated sweat equity hours before finalizing the purchase of their new homes.
Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Finance Authority, highlighted the enduring partnership between IFA and Habitat for Humanity affiliates, particularly under the Project-Based Housing Program. Over the years, this collaboration has enabled more than 100 Iowa families to realize their dreams of homeownership. The recently announced awards will extend this opportunity to two more families, offering not only a path to homeownership but also the potential for improved economic prospects, wealth accumulation, and a sense of pride in homeownership.
The Iowa Finance Authority also provided insights into the State Housing Trust Fund’s extensive impact, having allocated over $112 million in funding and assisting in the creation of more than 37,600 affordable housing units since its inception in 2003. This program continues to be a cornerstone in providing safe and affordable housing options for families throughout Iowa.
