Housing Dollars Possible for SE Iowa

Keokuk, IA – Some federal money is on its way to Southeast Iowa. The grant could help the region secure hundreds of thousands of additional dollars. The Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission has received $10,000 from USDA Rural Development. Housing Planner, Sara Hecox, says the planning commission will use the money to create a self-help housing program. She says the money will also be used to pay for expenses involved with applying for a $350,000 grant to fund the project. Hecox says the self-help housing program allows low- to moderate-income families to own their own home, as long as they are willing to help with the project. Hecox says applicants are still needed because the final grant application must include every family taking part in the program. She says the planning commission should know within 5 months if it will receive the $350,000. The locations for the potential homes will be based on availability of lots.