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FOR IMMEDIATE USE
October 2nd, 2024
Community Housing Initiatives Receives $25,000 Grant from NeighborWorks America to Aid in Flood Disaster Response in Spencer, Iowa
Spencer, IA — [October 2, 2024] — Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) is proud to announce receiving a $25,000 grant from NeighborWorks America. These critical funds play a vital role in supporting ongoing disaster recovery efforts following the severe flooding that hit Spencer, Iowa in June. The floods caused widespread damage, affecting hundreds of residents and severely impacting housing and public infrastructure. It's estimated that 65% of the city's rental properties were affected.
The flooding also led to the loss of 17 affordable housing units at CHI Spencer, adding to the challenges faced by the community. CHI is currently seeking additional funding and collaborating with the city to help Spencer build back better.
In response to the grant, Deletta Dean, Regional Vice President of NeighborWorks America’s Midwest Region, stated, "We are pleased to provide Community Housing Initiatives with this $25,000 grant to support their critical disaster response and flood recovery efforts in Spencer, Iowa. NeighborWorks America recognizes the tremendous impact that severe flooding has had on the Spencer community, and we are honored to support CHI. We are grateful for CHI's resilience and commitment to maintaining community health, and we are proud to stand alongside them in this endeavor. Together, we will continue to strengthen communities across the Midwest Region, even in the face of adversity."
CHI has been actively working with local and national partners to assist the community in the aftermath of the flood, which displaced over 400 Spencer residents. Collaborative efforts with the City of Spencer, FEMA, The Red Cross, the National Guard, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and the Clay County Housing and Crisis Teams have been crucial in providing emergency relief, temporary housing, and essential services.
About Community Housing Initiatives
Community Housing Initiatives, (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing provider. Since 1993, CHI has worked closely with communities ranging in population from 800 to 200,000 serving the sole charitable purpose of creating housing solutions that meet community needs and provide comprehensive services for residents.
As one of the most successful developers and managers of affordable rental housing in Iowa, CHI has generated or preserved over 1,600 affordable housing units offered at below market rates. CHI has also worked with state and local governments, civic groups, and non-profit organizations to promote the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
CHI has invested over $270 million in Iowa communities. For 30 years, CHI has re-invested all income from development and rental properties directly back into Iowa communities.
About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America is a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports community development and affordable housing efforts across the United States. Their grant programs provide critical resources to help communities recover from disasters and strengthen housing resilience.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164 | [email protected]