The Carroll County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the next steps in being able to offer county-wide housing assistance at their Monday meeting. Region XII Council of Governments’ Local Assistance Director, Chris Whitaker, had previously asked for the board’s support in their application to be included in the Community Development Block Grant Program. At Monday’s meeting, Karla Janning, Region XII Housing Program Coordinator, joined the virtual meeting to discuss the addition to the grants this year that now includes money that can be used to help county residents purchase a home.
The grant program has been offering assistance to low to moderate income residents with rehabilitation costs. These have traditional fallen into three categories: energy efficiency, exterior improvements and the removal of architectural barriers to allow aging in the home. The change this year expands on those efforts. A decision made by Region XII early on in the process to take a broader approach from the previous individual community-based program is expected provide more opportunities for participation.
After a public hearing, the supervisors approved the technical and administrative service providers as well as the administrative plan. They also passed a resolution for the Community Development Block Grant application. With this approval from the supervisors, Region XII will continue to work through the application process with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. If approved, Region XII will then begin taking applications from low and moderate income homebuyers in the county who meet the program qualifications to submit applications for assistance. The maximum award amount will be $24,999 per unit plus lead hazard reduction and technical services.
