Henry County Board of Supervisors prioritize affordable housing

MT. PLEASANT — The Henry County Board of Supervisors officially approved a financial contribution of $12,500 to the Great River Housing Trust Fund to support housing initiatives in the region. The resolution, numbered 31-2024, was introduced and read by Board of Supervisors Chair Greg Moeller during the board’s regular meeting on Dec. 5.

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“This resolution supports a regional housing program that benefits low- and moderate-income households across the area,” Moeller explained as he read the resolution aloud. “Henry County recognizes the importance of a well-supported housing system and has been proud to participate in this program since its inception.”

The Great River Housing Trust Fund, led by Executive Director Mike Norris, has been a vital resource for affordable housing efforts in Southeast Iowa. Norris provided a detailed overview of the trust fund’s history and recent accomplishments, emphasizing its role in leveraging funds for regional housing projects.

“We’ve been operating since 2011, and in total, the region has been awarded about $8.3 million,” Norris said. “That amount includes a combination of local match dollars, Housing Trust Fund dollars from the state, and outside funding from federal resources like HOME and Federal Home Loan Bank funds.”

Norris highlighted the key areas of focus for the Trust Fund, which include down payment assistance, home rehabilitation, and development projects.

“We help people get into homes with $7,500 in down payment assistance at closing, deferred loans at zero percent interest,” he explained. “We’ve also focused on rehabilitation, targeting seniors in the community needing furnace replacements, roof repairs, and other critical fixes.”

Great River Housing has worked on numerous housing projects in communities across Henry County, including Hillsboro, Winfield, Wayland, New London, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Union, and Salem. Additionally, Norris noted collaborations with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity have proved successful in creating affordable and sustainable housing opportunities throughout the region.

In Hillsboro, the Trust Fund has supported targeted rehabilitation efforts to assist residents with much-needed improvements. One highlight is the transformation of homes to address structural issues, including roof replacements and furnace upgrades, which ensure homes are safe, energy-efficient, and livable for aging residents. One successful story features a Hillsboro property that now provides residents with an improved view and upgraded living space.

Wayland has benefited significantly from the Trust’s efforts when they recently partnered with the Habitat for Humanity program to build a home for single mother.

In New London, the Trust Fund has partnered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to assist with infill housing projects. These projects have revitalized previously vacant lots and turned them into safe, affordable living spaces for residents. This has also provided opportunities for new homeownership, helping to combat housing shortages.

These projects are made possible through Great River Housing’s Development Assistance program which offers financing to developers to build affordable housing units and infill lots.

Another one of the innovative programs supported by the Great River Housing Trust Fund is Upper Story Conversions Projects, which repurpose unused upper stories in older downtown buildings into affordable living spaces.

Mt. Pleasant has been a hub of successful upper-story conversions, transforming the upper floors of older downtown buildings into affordable living spaces. Norris explained these projects have maximized the use of existing infrastructure while creating accessible, affordable housing. These projects also bring economic vitality to Mt. Pleasant’s historic downtown by attracting new residents and businesses.

Assistance through the Upper Story Conversions Projects offers up to $40,000 per unit, or half the cost, whichever is less. These units are then to be rented as affordable housing for five years.

Great River Housing’s Home Rehabilitation Programs assist low-income homeowners with critical home repairs to ensure safe and livable housing. According to Norris, senior citizens commonly benefit from this program.

Over the last year the Trust was used to prioritized essential rehabilitation projects in Mt. Union to improve home safety and energy efficiency for low-income households. Projects have focused on roof replacement, new windows, and furnace upgrades — critical repairs that allow residents, particularly seniors, to remain in their homes safely.

Salem has seen similar efforts through the Great River Housing Trust Fund's rehabilitation and repair programs. Homeowners in Salem have benefited from furnace replacements and general maintenance grants, which reduce financial stress and ensure the long-term livability of these homes.

These projects are a testament to the long-standing partnerships the Great River Housing Trust Fund has fostered with local governments and organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC). These collaborations have been vital in maximizing available resources and ensuring impactful and sustainable housing solutions.

Further, Mike Norris pointed out how these contributions and funding help expand the organization’s ability to apply for grants. “Our next funding round has about $590,000 available. Of that, $472,000 comes from the Iowa Finance Authority, with $118,000 needed in local matching funds. Henry County’s annual participation is essential for maintaining that partnership.”

Norris added, “We’re thankful for Henry County’s long-standing support. This partnership has allowed us to complete impactful housing projects throughout the county and strengthen homeownership opportunities.”

The motion to approve the $12,500 financial contribution passed with unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors, marking another step forward in addressing regional housing needs.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com