Providing quality, affordable housing is often the most critical issue a community must face. The Region 6 Planning Commission understands that housing is a key community development factor that often affects resident retention and overall social equity. We also understand that funding housing programs is difficult, especially in the recent economic downturn. At Region 6, we have extensive experience in preparing and administering funding packages to implement community-wide housing improvement strategies.

Examples of programs that can be prepared and administered by the Region 6 Planning Commission include:

• Homeownership assistance programs
• Housing improvement programs
• Affordable new construction incentive programs;
• Rental housing rehabilitation and improvement programs
• Down payment assistance programs
• Establishing tax increment financing and tax abatement districts to improve housing

The Region 6 Planning has prepared and administered several successful housing programs throughout Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek, and Tama Counties. If your community is need of housing assistance, contact our Executive Director, Marty Wymore, by phone or email. He can be reached by phone at (641) 752-0717 or toll free at 1-800-417-4699. He can be reached by email at mwymore@region6planning.org.

Hardin County

Iowa Falls Housing Assistance: This covers owner-occupied housing and allows for a forgivable loan to qualified homeowners. The homeowner must remain in the home for at least 5 years. The project allows up to $ 24,999 for hard construction and extra dollars for lead safe work within the concept of rehabilitation. The typical home improvements will include insulation, replacement windows, siding, roofing gutters, soffit/fascia covering, furnace, air conditioning and electrical upgrades. There are income limits that must be met to qualify as well as insurance coverage and current property tax payments.

For more information, please contact Mike Wentzien at (641) 752-0717 or mwentzien@region6planning.org.

Eldora Housing Assistance: This particular housing program is meant to assists with the recovery from the August 2009 hailstorm that resulted in citywide damage. It deals with underinsured or un-insured homeowners. The home must be owner-occupied. The program does not cover the replacement of items unless damaged by the winds, rains and hail damage. Assistance primarily covers roofing, siding, windows and trim. The home must obtain insurance and be current with property tax payments.

For more information, please contact Mike Wentzien at (641) 752-0717 or mwentzien@region6planning.org.

Multi-County

Region 6 HOME Program: This forgivable loan program is designed for first time home buyers who wish to purchase homes in need of rehabilitation. The forgivable loan issued through this program is extended to a 10 year period. The project allows up to $24,999 for hard construction and will allow for extra dollars for lead safe improvements. It covers all aspects of home improvement with the exception of remodeling. This program only assists with rehabilitation. The brochure for this program is available at the following link: Region 6 Home Program Brochure. For access the print and fold version of the Region 6 HOME Program brochure at the following link: Region 6 HOME Program Brochure - Print and Fold Version.

For more information, please contact Alyson at (641) 752-0717 or alutz@region6planning.org.

The City of Grinnell and the City of Tama have been awarded both owner-occupied housing rehabilitation grants for 10 homes in each City. These programs are in the process of setting up and may be operational in October of 2011. New information on these programs will be posted to the website.

Region 6 has also been awarded a first time home-buyers program for the four county membership of the Region 6 Planning Commission. This is in the process of being set up for operation. It would follow the same guidelines as the Tama County HOME Project except this program will be open to all cities. New information in this program will be posted to the website.

For more information, please contact Marty Wymore at (641) 752-0717 or mwymore@region6planning.org.