(Des Moines)– The Iowa Finance Authority Board has awarded more than two million dollars in state and federal grants to assist homeless assistance projects in 35 counties. The funds are available through the Homeless Assistance Program, a combination of the federal Emergency Shelter Grant program and the state Shelter Assistance Fund programs, which are jointly administered by the Iowa Finance Authority.
The program funding may include cities, counties and private, non-profit organizations with funding to support operations and maintenance costs of homelessness, domestic violence and transitional shelters. The program may also assist with essential support services for homeless Iowans and families and grants for short-term homeless prevention assistance.
The Iowa Finance Authority received 132 applications representing more than $4.3 million in requests.
Locally, the Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault, or CAASA, will receive $17,650 and the Outreach Center Homeless Prevention Project through Upper Des Moines Opportunity was awarded $12,000.
