General Information

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $1.5 billion for a Homeless Prevention Fund. This new initiative places a priority on housing stabilization as the centerpiece of homelessness assistance. The new program provides resources for communities to help resettle people into housing, whether they are at imminent risk of losing their homes or already homeless. The grant will also allow communities to connect people with additional resources within the area.

Assitance Available

Help is available in the following areas:

        • Housing Security Deposit
        • Rent Payment Assistance
        • Utility Deposit
        • Utility Payment Assistance
        • Moving Assistance
        • Case Management
        • Connecting with Other Area Resources

Qualifying

In order to qualify for the HPRP/Iowa Rental Help program, an individual or household must meet the requirements as set forth by the grant as well as the following guidelines:

• Must meet the income eligibility requirements of 50% of the area median income for your county of residence
• Must meet with a case manager on a regular basis
• If currently housed, the place of residence must pass a housing/lead inspection
• If assistance is obtained to move into a new place of residence, place of residence must pass a housing/lead inspection

Once an individual or household has qualified for the program, an individualized case plan will be put together collaboratively between the client and case manager. This will not only provide a plan that moves toward housing stability, but will also connect the individual/household with other resources needed to maintain that stability.

Important

Clients must qualify for this program. It is not automatic approval. Many factors must be considered and guidelines followed before anyone may be eligible for this program.

West Central is not obligated to give this money to anyone, strict criteria must be met, and clients must follow the program and its rules in order to qualify and be approved.

Please contact the appropriate office to discuss options and to work with our Case Managers.

Offices & Contact Information

Our case manager is housed at the following office within the district that West Central Community Action serves:

Dawn Gardner
Case Manager/Inspector
516 Market St.
Harlan, IA 51537
(712) 755-5602 office
dgardner@westcentralca.org
Counties served: Cass, Crawford, Harrison, Monona, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page and Shelby

If needing assistance in Pottawattamie County, please contact Heartland Family Services at (712) 309-0016

HPRP Application
HPRP Brochure