Washington and Wellman receive housing rehab grants

The Cities of Washington and Wellman have received major grants for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation from the Iowa Dept. of Economic Development's "Housing Fund." On May 12, 2010, Gov. Chulver announced that 47 communities and projects received funding totalling $29 million to improve affordable housing in Iowa.

The Cities were assisted in writing the grant applications for these funds by ECICOG, a non-profit, 28E organization based in Cedar Rapids that covers 6 counties including Washington County. ECICOG will also administer the rehab programs for the Cities.

Washington received $218,234 to rehabilitate a minimum of 6 owner-occupied homes in a northside neighborhood. Homeowners may receive up to $25,000 in a forgivable loan to rehab their home, plus up to $8,000 to mitigate any lead based paint. The loan to the homeowner is forgiven after 5 years if they continue to reside in the home.


View Washington Housing Rehab Target Area in a larger map

The City of Wellman received $226,234 in funding to rehab a minimum of 6 owner-occupied homes in a west side neighborhood.  Like Washington, these forgivable loans can provide up to $25,000 in rehab and up to $8,000 to deal with lead based paint.


View Wellman Housing Rehab Target Area in a larger map

Both cities plan to solicit applications from home owners in the target areas later in the Summer.

The funding for IDED's "Housing Fund" comes from the federal HUD, CDBG and HOME programs targeted to Iowa cities under 50,000 population.