DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) has awarded over $1.3 million to enhance homelessness prevention efforts across Iowa.
The funding, sourced from the new Iowa Homelessness Prevention Fund (IHPF), aims to assist hundreds of Iowans at risk of losing their homes.
“The Iowa Finance Authority is proud to invest in proactive solutions that support Iowans at risk of homelessness,” said IFA and Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham. “I commend our Board of Directors for their commitment to innovation and their responsiveness to the needs of communities across the state. This investment reflects our dedication to strengthening housing stability statewide.”
The IHPF expands on IFA’s Rapid Rehousing Project Pilot Program, focusing on prevention by funding community-driven interventions. These include short-term financial assistance, landlord mediation, and housing navigation services to help keep families housed and out of shelters.
Unlike traditional HUD-funded programs, the IHPF broadens eligibility to include Iowans who are “couch-surfing,” often affecting youth and rural communities. This flexibility allows partner agencies to address the specific needs of their communities effectively.
A total of $1,335,000 from IFA’s FY2026 Emergency and Innovative Housing Fund was allocated to agencies that joined the pilot program. To see a list of those agencies, click here.
For those needing assistance, visit iowahousinghelp.com or call 833-739-0065. Des Moines and Polk County residents can contact centralized intake at 515-248-1850, while Siouxland area residents should visit siouxlandhomeless.org or call 712-224-5247.
