PCHTF opens applications for Capacity Building Grant Program

This week, PCHTF began accepting applications for $150,000 available through its annual Capacity Building Grant Program. These funds support creative programs that introduce new units into the community’s affordable housing inventory or preserve existing inventory.

Applicants for capacity building grants must be nonprofit organizations or municipal corporations operating in Polk County. While this program does not support housing development, it does support non-bricks and mortar programs that either introduce new affordable housing units to the community’s inventory, that prevent an existing unit from being lost, or assist in more quickly opening existing inventory for eligible owners or tenants.

Applications are due for this program at noon on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. The application and program details can be found online at https://pchtf.formstack.com/forms/2023_capacity_building_application.

Questions about this grant offering may be directed to Mollie Giller, the Trust Fund's Director of Programs & Supportive Services, at mgiller@pchtf.org.

PCHTF opens applications for special allocation of American Rescue Plan Act housing funds

The Polk Count Housing Trust Fund has today opened applications for $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds it will allocate for housing development on behalf of Polk County. The creation of this program was previously announced in April.

PCHTF anticipates its Development Committee will meet on July 20, 2022 to review applications submitted by July 13 (11:59 PM). The first funding decisions would then be announced on August 8 following approval by the PCHTF Board of Directors.

To review the application, submit an application, or review funding criteria, visit this link: https://PCHTF.formstack.com/forms/arpa_special_allocations_2022

Polk County approves landmark investment to advance long-term housing opportunity

On Tuesday, April 5, the Polk County Board of Supervisors approved a package of housing investments of just more than $15 million that will support long term housing opportunity for some of the region’s most vulnerable people and families.

The County intends to enter into an agreement with the Polk County Housing Trust Fund to manage and allocate funds to local projects under the Capital Funds and Revolving Loan Fund programs. PCHTF will publish additional eligibility and program guidelines in the coming weeks at PCHTF.org.

Funds for the Centralized Homeless Advocates Pilot Program will be managed by Homeward, formerly the Polk County Continuum of Care. Information will be available at homewardiowa.org.

Polk County is making its investments from State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds allocated to the county by the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Capital Funds

Program investment: $12 million

This program supports the acquisition, conversion and/or construction of permanent multi-family housing with an emphasis on supportive housing for underserved populations (homeless, re-entry, senior, households with children). Supportive housing services should target lifestyle intervention with options for education and workforce training.

Revolving Loan Fund

Program investment: $3 million

This program develops a revolving loan fund for short-term bridge loans, acquisition loans, and/or funding for due diligence and pre-development expenses. Funded projects should meet the same outcomes as the capital funding program.

Centralized Homeless Advocates - Pilot Program

Program investment: $150,000

This pilot program will support two community advocates for a two-year period. These advocates would not be tied to a specific program and would provide additional support to individuals beyond the current role of housing navigator. The advocates will support individuals to find permanent housing. They will be trained in trauma-informed and healing-centered care, housing first, equity, and other evidence based practices.