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OSKALOOSA, IA -Two properties on the National Register of Historic Places were the beneficiaries of some hard work thanks in part to a handful of volunteers during Central College Service Day held on April 24. Lincoln Terrace Apartments and Grant Terrace Apartments, both owned by Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI), were selected during Central College’s annual volunteer event.

"Service Day at Central College is a great opportunity to work side-by-side with students, faculty and staff and others in the community on projects that benefit us all," said Pat Joachim Kitzman, director of the Career Center at Central College, who helped beautify the grounds at Lincoln Terrace Apartments. "This year was really special for me because I learned about the great services that CHI does throughout the state, including here in my hometown of Oskaloosa."

This was the first year that CHI participated in Service Day, but not the first time it has utilized volunteers from Central College. The partnership began in 2010, and CHI has primarily used Service-Learning students to help facilitate programs at Lincoln Terrace Apartments by teaching fitness and computer classes to residents.

"The event went very well, and we were able to bring residents, CHI staff and volunteers together for a common purpose of beautifying two prominent landmarks in the community," said Malai Amfahr, resident services director at CHI. "We appreciate all the hours of service that the volunteers gave."

Beautifying the grounds at Grant Terrace Apartments and Lincoln Terrace Apartments were just two examples of countless other volunteer projects held on Service Day. The projects serve Central’s community partners, as well as other nonprofit organizations in Pella, Des Moines and around central Iowa.

"Service Day was another huge success," said Dr. Dennis Doyle, chair of the communications department at Central College, and who worked alongside Kitzman. "I really enjoyed talking with staff and residents while doing the lawn work. The residents live in a beautiful facility, and it was nice to meet them and see how much pride they have in their homes."

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.

We are thrilled to announce that Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. has been selected to participate in the Starbucks Community Card: Vote.Give.Grow. program that recognizes our nearly two decades of changing lives and communities in Iowa through affordable housing.

Starbucks Foundation worked closely with a research firm to identify organizations across the country that met the program's criteria. More than 1,700 non-profits were included in the original list, which was narrowed to 124, two from each state, with votes from local Starbucks employees from their respective areas. In total, Starbucks Foundation will award $4 million. All 124 organizations will receive funding. Awards range from $5,000 to $50,000.

Spencer, Iowa - Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. was one of six nonprofit organizations recently certified and recertified by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors as Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), allowing it to be eligible for specific HOME program funding. IFA provided a total of $100,000 in grants to assist Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. and The Housing Fellowship.

"Maintaining strong public and private partnerships with organizations throughout the state is central to the Iowa Finance Authority’s mission to most effectively advance affordable housing for Iowans," said Iowa Finance Authority Executive Director Dave Jamison. "The partnerships with the recently certified and recertified CHDOs will increase the capacity to develop affordable housing throughout the state, and the Iowa Finance Authority is proud to call these organizations partners in advancing our common missions."

A CHDO is a private, nonprofit, community-based service organization whose primary purpose is to provide and develop decent, affordable housing for the community it serves. IFA certifies CHDos by confirming that the nonprofit organization meets HOME requirements and is eligible for HOME funding to develop affordable housing. A CHDO must annual recertify its CHDO status by providing updated information on the organization and its affordable housing projects.

CHDO Certifications:

Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc., Des Moines

Contact: Pam Carmichael, Executive Director, 515.243.1277

Affordable Housing Network, Inc., Cedar Rapids

Contact: Joe Lock, Executive Director, 319.364.0259 ext. 24

CHDO Recertifications:

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., Spencer

Contact: Doug LaBounty, President, 712.262.5640

Vera French Housing Corporation, Davenport

Contact: Stacey Kiser-Willey, Executive Director, 563.445.7977

The Housing Fellowship, Iowa City

Contact: Maryann Dennis, Executive Director, 319.358.912 ext. 5

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation, Decorah

Contact: Mary Ann Humpal, Executive Director, 563.382.8436

Participating jurisdictions, including the state of Iowa, are required to set-aside at least 15 percent of their HOME funds for housing that is developed, owned or sponsored by Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). The Iowa Finance Authority recently awarded a total of $100,000 in HOME funds to assist two CHDos with operating expenses. To be eligible for HOME operating expense awards, a CHDO must first have been allocated affordable housing project funding under the CHDO Set-Aside.

HOME Awards:

Community Housing Initiatives, Inc., Spencer: $50,000

Contact: Doug LaBounty, President, 712.262.5640

The Housing Fellowship, Iowa City: $50,000

Contact: Maryann Dennis, Executive Director, 319.358.9212 ext. 5

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, Iowa - Approximately 65 children at Eastwood of Ames will benefit from a new Youth Enrichment Program thanks in part to a $390 grant recently awarded to Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) by the Story County Youth Philanthropists (SCYP). Scheduled to launch this summer, the Youth Enrichment Program will engage youth through weekly activities that focus on the arts, education and recreation.

"Due to the large number of children at Eastwood of Ames, the Resident Services Department recognizes the great potential for making a lasting impact for the Ames community by focusing efforts on the youth," said Malai Amfahr, resident services director of CHI.

One of seven nonprofits awarded at the Feb. 29 presentation at the Ames Public Library, CHI’s new program will support Eastwood of Ames youth when school is not in session. Core focus areas will include increasing youth’s skills and knowledge through structured activities, as well as overall developing a more stable community at Eastwood and the surrounding area. With the launch, CHI plans to utilize volunteers and other partnerships with local nonprofit agencies to help establish the program. One example of a youth activity includes working with volunteers from the Story Theater Company to hold an informal “theater camp” where participants would learn all the aspects of producing a play.

This grant marks the third year in a row that CHI has been awarded from SCYP. 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. In 2011, funds were used to help create the Eastwood Community Garden Project.

The Youth Enrichment Program will be the third major program that has recently been implemented at at Eastwood of Ames for youth since 2011. Other activities include weekly "Story Time" in collaboration with Raising Readers in Story County, and "Reading with Rover" in collaboration with volunteers who have certified animal assisted therapy dogs.

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, Iowa - 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."

Two years ago plans began to create "Reading with Rover," and the activity launched in October 2011. It was developed by CHI's Resident Services Department in collaboration with Raising Readers in Story County. Recruitment of volunteers has been done with both Raising Readers in Story County and the Volunteer Center of Story County.

"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, Iowa - 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 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.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - 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 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.

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, Iowa - 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.

DES MOINES, Iowa - 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.

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, 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 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.

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.