Residents Can Now Apply For Rent, Utilities, Mortgage Assistance Programs Through Iowa Finance Authority

Press release from the City of Iowa City:

March 30, 2021

Two programs aimed at helping Iowans through COVID-19 related financial hardships are now open for applications: the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program, as well as the Iowa Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Program.

Both programs became open for applications on Monday, March 29, 2021.

The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program will provide eligible COVID-19 impacted renters with rent and/or utility assistance for a total of up to 12 months. General eligibility requirements require that applicants:

• Be current renters earning no more than 80% of their county’s area median income
• One or more individuals in the household must have either qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Resident must be able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice

The Iowa Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Program provides eligible COVID-19 impacted homeowners at imminent risk of foreclosure with mortgage assistance for up to four months, with a maximum assistance of $3,600 per household. The short-term program will be available until funds are exhausted or a new federal program is launched.

To learn more about both programs, visit iowahousingrecovery.com. For more Iowa City-area COVID-19 resources, visit icgov.org/Coronavirus.

This press release was produced by the City of Iowa City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.