News

AMES, IA —  Meet Tasi. She is a registered therapy dog that is “all ears” at the “Reading with Rover” program at Eastwood of Ames. Tasi, an English Springer Spaniel, is just one of a handful of dogs that bring smiles and encouragement to a handful of children.

“The program was created to allow children to practice reading skills and build confidence in their own abilities,” said Shara Bradley, resident services program manager at Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI). “The children really enjoy it and always ask when they can read to the dogs again.”

Started in October 2011 as part of CHI’s Resident Services Department, “Reading with Rover” features dogs from Therapy Dogs International or Canine Good Citizen. Currently seven dogs, including a pair of golden retrievers and a golden doodle, participate in the program and are great listeners to the approximately 10 children ranging from 5 to 10 years old. Each child is given 15 minutes with the dog, 10 of which are spent reading.

“Tasi is great with children,” said Dean Belcher, who has owned Tasi for three years and is a retired family resource counselor. “She’s a good companion.” 

The philosophy of “Reading with Rover” is simple. Children who are learning to read or who may feel judged or intimidated by classmates and adults can do so in a friendly environment. The dog won’t judge, won’t get impatient and it won’t laugh or correct if the child makes a mistake. Dogs can be excellent listeners, and for many, that can make all the difference. 

 “Our goal is to help improve the children’s reading skills, build self-esteem and have them associate reading with something pleasant,” Bradley said.

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) was created in 1993 by a Northwest Iowa Community Action Agency, Upper Des Moines Opportunity. Over the past decade, CHI has established itself as one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable housing in Iowa. CHI was constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,200 affordable housing units. Visit www.chihousing.com  to learn more about CHI’s effort to provide high-quality affordable housing options across the state of Iowa.

AMES, IA - Sept. 14, 2011 - Eastwood of Ames was one of three properties individually honored by the City of Ames and the Ames Police Department at the Tuesday evening City Council meeting for completing the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. The nationally-acclaimed program aims to reduce crime and increase safety at rental properties. 

Teri Herman, site manager at Eastwood of Ames, which is owned by Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., completed the three-phase certification that includes an 8-hour training session hosted by the Ames Police Department, a Crime Prevention Environmental Design survey and a community awareness training. Herman, along with other participants, covered a variety of topics including laws affecting landlords and tenants, surveying steps to lessen criminal activity and more.  Upon completing all three phases,  Eastwood of Ames is considered certified meaning Herman can post the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program sign on the property.

“Earning the Crime Free Multi-Housing Certification represents an exceptional commitment to improving the quality of life for residents,” said Charles Cychosz, chief of Police for the City of Ames. “We are delighted to recognize the work being done by Teri Herman and Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.”

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program was introduced in Mesa, Ariz., in 1992, and today is present is more than 2,000 cities in 44 states. The program was established in Ames in 2008 joining in conjunction with other Iowa cities such as Des Moines, West Des Moines and Dubuque.

 Located near downtown Ames, Eastwood of Ames is a 60-unit green affordable apartment community offering a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom townhomes. The property recently went under a $10.6 million renovation and was reopened in May 2011.

 Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) was created in 1993 by a Northwest Iowa Community Action Agency, Upper Des Moines Opportunity. Over the past decade, CHI has established itself as one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable housing in Iowa. CHI has constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,100 affordable housing units and currently has 70 additional units under construction. Visit www.chihousing.com to learn more about CHI’s efforts to provide high-quality affordable housing options across the state of Iowa.

WEST DES MOINES — Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) and Neumann Brothers, Inc. were joined on July 26 by representatives from Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc. (MHEG), Iowa Finance Authority, ASK Studio, the City of West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and others to celebrate the grand opening of Crestview Terrace Apartments. A substantial rehabilitation project, the property offers a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors age 55 and above.

"We are very excited to be able to open our doors to the West Des Moines community," said Doug LaBounty, president of CHI. "The City of West Des Moines is a great place to live, and we are excited to be able to provide affordable housing for seniors."

Located along Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, the project was originally a HUD 202 congregate meal site consisting of 101 units that featured rooms only with bathrooms and no kitchens. Today, the rehabilitation has reduced the number of units to 55, including 15 adaptable handicapped units. The property also features a number of community areas, a library with media center, exercise room, activities room, dining space for large social gatherings and parties, a courtyard with gazebo and outside assigned parking.

The early evening celebration also included special music provided by Metro Arts Alliance, along with a ribbon cutting presentation by representatives of CHI and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

"Midwest Housing Equity Group's desire is to change lives for a better tomorrow," said Jim Rieker, president/CEO of MHEG. "We love to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. By being a partner in the Crestview project, we are helping seniors have a better place to live. Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. is a valuable partner because the staff shares in many of the same goals as we do in providing quality affordable housing and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Being the first affordable senior development in West Des Moines shows both MHEG and CHI saw the need and set out to make a difference. We're honored to be part of the team."

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) was created in 1993 by a Northwest Iowa Community Action Agency, Upper Des Moines Opportunity. Over the past decade, CHI has established itself as one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable housing in Iowa. CHI has constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,000 affordable housing units and currently has 70 additional units under construction.

Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc. is a non-profit that raises private capital from corporations for the production, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. To date, MHEG has raised more than $675 million in equity, creating and sustaining almost 8,000 units of affordable housing. Visit Midwest Housing Equity Group, Inc. to learn more about MHEG's efforts to invest in affordable housing.

DES MOINES, IA — June 13, 2011 — Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., (CHI) hosted its second annual NeighborWorks Week event on June 10 as an opportunity to create clean, safe neighborhoods and to celebrate the local community. Following this year’s theme, “Working for Strong Communities,” more than 40 volunteers helped beautify St. Vincent de Paul, a local nonprofit located along 6th Avenue on Des Moines’ north side. Volunteers from CHI, Mercy Medical Center, The 6th Avenue Corridor and St. Vincent de Paul participated in the all-day event that included landscaping, barb wire fence removal and replacing a retaining wall on the property.

“Thanks to the efforts of the many volunteers, NeighborWorks Week was a great success,” said Doug LaBounty, president of CHI. “St. Vincent de Paul is a vital part of The 6th Avenue Corridor, and we are glad to assist with the completion of several beautification projects.”

CHI’s participation in NeighborWorks Week was just one of more than 200 events that were held across the country from June 4 to 11 during NeighborWorks America’s 28th annual celebration. The week-long event is held the first week of June each year and is an opportunity for thousands of volunteers to help make their communities healthy, sustainable places to live, work and play.

The beautification project was CHI’s second annual NeighborWorks Week event. In 2010, more than 50 volunteers helped clean up Time Check Park, an area in Cedar Rapids that was devastated by floodwaters in 2008.

“NeighborWorks Week is an outstanding opportunity for volunteers to work together to clean up our local communities,” LaBounty said. “Everyone who was involved should feel proud of what was accomplished. It is just a small success of the many positive things happening along 6th Avenue.”

“NeighborWorks Week is an outstanding opportunity for volunteers to work together to clean up our local communities,” LaBounty said. “Everyone who was involved should feel proud of what was accomplished. It is just a small success of the many positive things happening along 6th Avenue.”

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) was created in 1993 by a Northwest Iowa Community Action Agency, Upper Des Moines Opportunity. Over the past decade, CHI has established itself as one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable housing in Iowa. CHI has constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,000 affordable housing units and currently has 70 additional units under construction. Visit www.chihousing.com to learn more about CHI’s efforts to provide high-quality affordable housing options across the state of Iowa.

NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated $20 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals. Visit www.nw.org for more information.

Local residents, volunteers and organizations plan to help clean up an area business along 6th Avenue in Des Moines in celebration of National NeighborWorks® Week, a weeklong celebration of the accomplishments of the NeighborWorks® network. The beautification event will take place at St. Vincent de Paul, 1426 6th Ave., and include landscaping, fence removal, installation of a rain garden, retaining wall replacement and more.

During NeighborWorks® Week, June 4–11, Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. and other NeighborWorks® organizations across the country will mobilize tens of thousands of business people, residents and government officials in a week of neighborhood change and awareness. They will rehab and repair homes, paint and landscape properties, conduct neighborhood tours, recognize successful partnerships and host a number of events that educate, train and inform. In 2010, more than 4,700 families benefited from the week’s activities nationwide.

AMES, Iowa — Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) and Koester Construction Company, Inc., were joined on May 26 by representatives from Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), the Mayor’s Green Team and others to celebrate the grand opening of Eastwood of Ames. A substantial rehabilitation, the property took more than a year to complete, and currently provides the residents of Ames a 60-unit green affordable apartment community. Offering a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with three-bedroom townhomes, Eastwood of Ames is home to low-income families and provides healthy green homes to nearly 45 children. The property was placed into service in 2007.

“We are very proud of Eastwood of Ames as a property and as a member of the surrounding community,” said Doug LaBounty, president of CHI. “A comfortable homes is the basis for a solid foundation, and it is with great pleasure that we open these doors to families working toward a brighter future.”

As part of the $10.6 million renovation, CHI incorporated a number of energy-efficient measures to help the property reduce its energy consumption and support cost savings on utility bills. Each unit has been fitted with ENERGY STAR appliances, green certified carpets, energy-efficient windows and more. In recognition of the green retrofitting, Mayor Ann Campbell’s Green Team provided CHI with more than $47,000 in rebates for energy improvements.

Located near downtown Ames, the property consists of four apartment buildings, which includes a community room, and opened a new playground in November 2010 for the younger residents.

“We are very excited to be part of this very special project,” said Philip Porter, vice president of syndication, Enterprise Community Investment, Inc.. “These past few years have been especially turbulent for the affordable housing industry, but with strong partners like Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., and other financial and community groups here today, we are able to help preserve and renovate homes that people can afford as well as thrive in.”

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) was created in 1993 by a Northwest Iowa Community Action Agency, Upper Des Moines Opportunity. Over the past decade, CHI has established itself as one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable housing in Iowa. CHI has constructed or rehabilitated more than 1,000 affordable housing units and currently has 70 additional units under construction. Visit www.chihousing.com to learn more about CHI’s efforts to provide high-quality affordable housing options across the state of Iowa.

Enterprise is a leading provider of the development capital and expertise it takes to create decent, affordable homes and rebuild communities. For nearly 30 years, Enterprise has introduced neighborhood solutions through public-private partnerships with financial institutions, governments, community organizations and other that share its vision. Enterprise has raised and invested $10.6 billion in equity, grants and loans to help build or preserve more than 270,000 affordable rental and for-sale homes to create vital communities. Visit www.enterprisecommunity.org  to learn more about Enterprise’s efforts to build communities and opportunities.

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. was recently awarded a $2,500 NeighborWorks Week supplemental grant to help beautify The 6th Avenue Corridor on Des Moines’ north side. The application was submitted in March, and grants were awarded based on a competitive review.

NeighborWorks Week 2011 is scheduled for June 4 to 11, and CHI has partnered with The 6th Avenue Corridor, an independent nonprofit focused on coordinating the commercial revitalization in the area. The Des Moines event will take place on Friday, June 10 and will follow the theme “Working Together for Strong Communities.” Volunteers will fill planters along 6th Avenue, as well as participate in various other beautifying projects.

This is the second year that CHI has hosted a NeighborWorks event. The inaugural year (2010) was very successful as more than 50 volunteers helped restore Time Check Park, an area in Cedar Rapids that was devastated by floodwaters in 2008. Numerous teams planted decorative flowering trees, painted and repaired fences and also improved the overall grounds of the popular local gathering spot.

NeighborWorks America (www.ng.org) creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. Since 1991, it has assisted nearly 1.2 million low- to -moderate-income families with their housing needs. Much of its success is achieved through its support of the NeighborWorks network — more than 230 community development organizations working in more than 4,000 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The Eastwood Community Garden Project in Ames will soon be blooming, thanks in part to a $945 grant given by the Story County Youth Philanthropists (SCYP). Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI), which owns Eastwood of Ames, was one of eight recipients at the March 9 presentation at the Ames Public Library. Funds from the grant will be used to provide gardening supplies, seeds, compost and more for the project.

"It’s a huge honor to receive this funding, and it will help for many years to come,” said Michelle Raymer, resident services program manager. “The benefits of the grant are two-fold — the residents will enjoy fresh produce, and it’s an opportunity for the Story County Young Philanthropists to see the impact that our organization has in the community."

This is the second grant that CHI has received in SCYP’s two-year existence. The board, comprised of Ames High School students, supports the community through grants while also learning lifelong philanthropic skills and attitudes. In 2010, CHI received a grant to fund the Eastwood Potluck and Back-to-School Fair, an event that provided school-age children with backpacks filled with school supplies.

"Last year we awarded CHI, and we’re happy to do it again,” said Anna Clark, two-year member of SCYP. "We believe the funds will go a long way in helping to build a community-rich environment at the Eastwood Apartments."

Those thoughts were also echoed by SCYP member Hanna Vollbrecht.

"We believe CHI’s goals align with our community betterment objectives," she said. "We’re excited to see where they take it from here."

Project officials will use some of the funds to purchase seeds from Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit located in Decorah. A rain barrel will also be purchased to catch rainwater for the garden.

The garden project will not only provide fresh produce for residents in the 60 units, but also teach individuals about the importance of eating nutrient-rich food. Plans are in the works to involve an individual from the Iowa State University’ Master Gardener Program who will give assistance and advice to gardeners throughout the year.

"This is more than just a garden," Raymer said. "It’s an opportunity to also learn about different produce and their nutritional value."

A planning meeting is scheduled for this spring where residents will build leadership skills and have ownership in the project. Next, a planting day will be held to prepare the garden and plant the vegetables. Throughout the summer, residents will also participate in activities and presentations in regard to the garden project.

At harvest, residents will enjoy the fresh produce while also learning how to properly store and prepare the food with cooking demonstrations. Officials also would like to survey residents about their experience in hopes to make changes and improvements for the following year.

"We’re very excited to start the project," Raymer said. "It’s an opportunity for residents to have access to healthy foods at no cost."