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]

The post Community Housing Initiatives Receives $25,000 Grant from NeighborWorks America to Aid in Flood Disaster Response in Spencer, Iowa appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.

We are grateful to CHI board member, John Zulk, who inspired this impactful fundraiser after recognizing the need for bikes in the Eastwood community.

Partnerships with RAGBRAI and Iowa State We Will Collective

Our first partnership for Pedaling Possibilities began during the 2023 Ames RAGBRAI event. CHI teamed up with the Iowa State We Will Collective, where we worked together to collect donations that would fund the purchase of bikes and helmets. We were thrilled to have the added bonus of George Trice (pictured below) with the Trice Legacy Foundation visit our booth and donate to the cause. 

A special thank you to the Iowa State football players, who gave their time and energy to help us collect donations during the event:

• Myles Norwood
• Myles Mendeszoon
• Levi Hummel
• Caleb Bacon
• Jontez Williams

Their involvement boosted our fundraising efforts and brought more attention to the cause.

Bike Fitting Event with Bike World

Next, CHI partnered with Bike World to ensure that every child would receive a bike that was just the right fit. A bike-fitting event was hosted, where the children were measured for their new rides. This day was filled with outdoor games, snacks, bubbles, and plenty of smiles. We were excited to have the Ames Police Department come out in support, adding to the fun and sense of community. Thank you to the officers for making the day even more special!

Delivering Joy Through Bicycles

Finally, the moment we had all been working toward arrived. Through the incredible generosity of Variety – The Children’s Charity, we were able to provide bikes to 21 Eastwood kids at no cost to their families. The excitement and joy on the children's faces when they received their bikes was absolutely priceless.

A huge thank you to Variety for donating all 21 bikes and to everyone who supported the Pedaling Possibilities fundraiser. These bikes will bring not only fun but also a sense of freedom and adventure to the children of Eastwood.

At CHI, we are grateful for the partnerships and community support that made these events possible. Together, we were able to bring the joy of biking to children who will now create memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone involved in Pedaling Possibilities!

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