Eight months ago, the Homes for Iowa program was launched at the Newton Correctional Facility as part of the state’s effort to address the housing shortage in rural communities and provide inmates a pathway to gainful employment following their release. Western Iowa’s Region XII Council of Governments is acting as the developer for the first prisoner-built home constructed by the program. Local Assistance Director, Chris Whitaker, says that house was delivered to its new site today (Wednesday).
Whitaker says there are some finished touches they still to complete after the house arrives to make it move-in ready.
Houses are constructed and delivered for approximately $75,000 each and do not include lot and foundation preparation. Whitaker says participation in Homes for Iowa is a tremendous opportunity for almost every community Region XII serves.
He adds the housing stock in Iowa is sorely lacking for new homes at that price point. In addition to expanding access to affordable housing, Whitaker says Homes for Iowa has the added benefit of preparing inmates for life after incarceration.
The program is expected to reduce recidivism rates by as much as 25 percent for inmates who participate. The Homes for Iowa non-profit is overseen by a board of directors, including three individuals from our region: Nick Badding of Badding Construction; Wall Lake City Clerk, Chris Rodman; and Region XII Executive Director, Rick Hunsaker. Nearly 900 homes are expected to be built and delivered to communities throughout the state in the next decade.
