The Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund is offering financial assistance to income‑eligible homeowners for critical home repairs and improvements. The program combines forgivable grants with low‑interest loans to help ensure homes remain safe, secure, and well‑maintained.
Eligible projects include structural repairs such as roofing, windows, and siding; upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and heating systems; emergency needs like septic tank improvements, water heater replacement, and lead paint reduction; weatherization through insulation; and accessibility improvements such as ramps and bathroom modifications.
Households at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) may qualify for a forgivable grant of up to $12,500, with no repayment required if program terms are met. For Buena Vista County, that threshold is currently $29,940 for a one‑ to two‑person household, or $34,431 for households of three to five persons.
Households between 31 and 80 percent of AMI may be eligible for a combination of forgivable grants and low‑interest loans. Assistance can total up to $37,500, including a 2 percent loan of up to $25,000. Applicants for the loan portion must meet credit requirements or provide acceptable alternative verifications.
Program brochures and applications are available on the City of Storm Lake website under “Programs for Homeowners” at stormlake.org/711/Housing.
