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The post Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives’ Woodridge Apartments in Washington IA appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing
Initiatives’ Woodridge Apartments in Washington IA
REHABILATION OF 24 APARTMENTS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 2027.
On June 2nd, the Iowa Finance Authority announced it has allocated $697,535 in annual Housing Tax Credits and an additional $575,000 in federal HOME funds to Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) to rehab Woodridge Apartments in Washington IA.
The project will offer 24 affordable apartments at 215 E Washington Street. Construction on the project is expected to begin early in 2027, although a specific date has not been set.
“Preserving quality, affordable housing is essential to the strength of this community, and it’s critical that to support its long-term sustainability. CHI is incredibly fortunate to be able to do that here in Washington, Iowa,” said Sarah Reilly, Housing Production Director at Community Housing Initiatives. “This project would not have been possible without the amazing partnership of the Eastern Iowa Housing Trust Fund. Their partnership has helped ensure that affordable housing in the Washington community is maintained to be both high-quality and long-lasting, and it’s a privilege to work with an organization that drives the same shared mission.”
CHI will announce leasing information for Woodridge as construction nears its end in 2027. The property will be managed locally by staff in CHI’s Cedar Rapids office at 845 31st Avenue Southwest.
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing development and consulting group. 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 across the state to promote the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Iowa Finance Authority’s release on its June 2nd funding decision contains useful information about the Housing Tax Credit and HOME programs. It is available at www.iowafinance.com
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]]>The post Adel Manor Community Center Ribbon Cutting Brings Together Leaders and Residents appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>Community Housing Initiatives, Inc.
Media Contact: Brittany Spieker
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.chihousing.com/
Headline: Adel Manor Community Center Ribbon Cutting Brings Together Leaders and Residents
ADEL 6/13/2025
On Friday afternoon Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) hosted a ribbon cutting for the Adel Manor Community Center. The event featured remarks from CHI CEO Sam Erickson, State Senator Trone Garriott, State Representative David Young, and NeighborWorks America representative Andre Butler. Attendees included Adel Manor residents, Mayor Pro Tem Shirley McAdon, a representative from Sen. Joni Ernst’s office, and private partners from across the state.
Adel Manor is a 62+ subsidized affordable housing community located in a quiet neighborhood in Adel, Iowa. This 68-unit property operates under the USDA Rural Rental Housing Program and offers independent living with features such as new in-unit laundry, new appliances, and income-based rent. Since acquiring the property in 2023, Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) has made significant improvements, including the installation of new windows, window coverings, doors, a secured entry call system, and added storage.
Funding for this development was provided by Farmers Bank (Spencer), Northwest Bank (Spencer), the Federal Home Loan Bank, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and HOME.
As a leader in affordable housing development, CHI has created or preserved over 1,600 affordable housing units at below-market rates. The organization has collaborated with government, civic groups, and other nonprofits to promote safe, accessible housing across Iowa. To date, CHI has invested nearly $300 million in Iowa communities, reinvesting all income from its projects back into local areas for over thirty years.
This event was part of NeighborWorks Week, spanning June 7 – 14, 2025. CHI is a proud member of NeighborWorks America, a national network of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations working to create affordable housing, promote financial stability, and strengthen communities. Through this affiliation, CHI benefits from shared resources, training, and support that enhance its ability to deliver innovative housing solutions and build strong, resilient neighborhoods.
“We are thrilled to open the Adel Manor Community Center for our residents to enjoy camaraderie and programming. As a NeighborWorks member organization, we are dedicated to affordable housing that responds to community needs through partnerships with local and state organizations.”
-Sam Erickson, CEO, Community Housing Initiatives
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing development and consulting organization. Since 1993, CHI has partnered with communities of all sizes to create housing solutions that meet local needs and provide essential resident services.
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]]>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.
]]>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]
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]]>The post Pedaling Possibilities Fundraiser Brings Bikes to Children at Eastwood of Ames 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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]]>The post Iowa Finance Authority Awards Federal Funds to for Summerfield Park Apartments appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>July 25th, 2024
Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives
On July 3rd, 2024, the Iowa Finance Authority announced the allocation of $660,000 in annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $953,456 in state HOME funds to Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) for the Summerfield Park Apartments project in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
These funds will support the renovation of the property built in 2001, aiming to improve handicapped accessibility, modernize amenities, and enhance energy efficiency. Located at 2300 Sunner Avenue, the current property consists of twenty units, including eight 1-bedroom and twelve 2-bedroom apartments. The project will also add storage and construct eight additional 2-bedroom and two 3-bedroom apartments.
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. 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.
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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For more information on the Iowa Finance Authority’s July 3rd funding decision and details about the Housing Tax Credit and HOME programs, visit www.iowafinance.com. Learn more about CHI at www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164 | [email protected]
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]]>The post Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>August 7th, 2023
Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives
The Iowa Finance Authority on July 5th, 2023 announced it has allocated $545,971 in annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $500,000 in state HOME funds to CHI to update the Frank Smith Center in Des Moines.
Funds awarded by the Iowa Finance Authority for rehabilitation will help the non-profit organization to update handicapped accessibility features, modernize amenities, and enhance energy efficiency. Located at 2100 Beaver Ave, this property offers 44, 1-bedroom apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities. Frank Smith Center offers project-based rental assistance, meaning rents are based on 30% of the individual’s monthly income.
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing development and consulting group. 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 across the state to promote the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Iowa Finance Authority’s release on its July 5th funding decision contains useful information about the Housing Tax Credit and HOME programs. It is available at www.iowafinance.com More information about CHI can be found on its website, www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164| [email protected]
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]]>The post Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives’ Cottonwood Trail Apartments appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>CONSTRUCTION ON 30 NEW APARTMENTS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 2024
The Iowa Finance Authority on July 5th, 2023 announced it has allocated $675,000 in annual Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $1,100,000 in state HOME funds to CHI to develop Cottonwood Trail Apartments in Mount Vernon.
Located at 208 Glenn Street, Cottonwood Trail Apartments will consist of 30 mixed-income apartments specifically designed for seniors. Construction for this eagerly anticipated project is expected to begin in Spring 2024, with an anticipated completion date in 2025.
Sarah Reilly, the Housing Production Director of Community Housing Initiatives, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the City of Mt Vernon and the Mt Vernon Housing Commission for their unwavering support in bringing this affordable housing initiative to fruition. "We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and support of the City of Mt Vernon and the Mt Vernon Housing Commission. Their commitment enables us to provide the community with high-quality, affordable housing solutions," said Reilly.
Cottonwood Trail Apartments will comprise 15 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom units, making a total of 30 units available for residents. Among them, 8 units will be designated for individuals with incomes at or below 40% of the area medium income, while the remaining 22 units will be designated for individuals with incomes at or below 60% of the area medium income.
Rental and leasing information for Cottonwood Trail Apartments will be announced by Community Housing Initiatives as construction nears completion in 2025. The property will be locally managed by CHI staff at their Cedar Rapids office located at 845 31st Avenue Southwest.
About Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI)
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa's largest non-profit housing development and consulting group. Since its establishment in 1993, CHI has worked closely with various communities spanning a population range of 800 to 200,000. Their sole charitable purpose is to create housing solutions that align with community needs while providing comprehensive services for residents. As one of Iowa's most successful developers and managers of affordable rental housing, CHI has generated or preserved over 1,600 affordable housing units offered at below-market rates. Furthermore, CHI has actively collaborated with state and local governments, civic groups, and non-profit organizations across the state to foster the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Iowa Finance Authority’s release on its July 5th funding decision contains useful information about the Housing Tax Credit and HOME programs. It is available at www.iowafinance.com
More information about CHI can be found on its website, www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164| [email protected]
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]]>The post CHI Receives $122,094 from Care Connections of Northern Iowa through Community Impact Grant appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>June 2st, 2023
CHI Receives $122,094 from Care Connections of Northern Iowa through Community Impact Grant
Spencer, IA- 5/31/2023 – CHI is pleased to announce that we have received a Community Impact Grant of $122,094.00 from Care Connections of Northern Iowa. This grant will help us to continue our mission of impacting the lives of Iowa residents by developing safe and quality community housing.
“We are beyond thrilled to have received this grant from Northwest Iowa Care Connections of Northern Iowa,” said Brittany Spieker, Director of Resident Services. “This funding will play a vital role in connecting individuals in need with housing and providing them with customized programs and services. This is the critical link to avoiding homelessness, hunger, optimizing health, and maintaining affordable housing. Our partnership with providers like Northwest Iowa Care Connections has proven to be the key to successful housing stabilization.”
“It is apparent that CHI does things differently, in the most positive way I can express. Said Melissa Loehr, CEO of Care Connections. “The housing and services are top-notch, and we highly recommend any of the individuals we work with to look at CHI housing options because they get more than just a home, they get an opportunity to be successful in that home with support.”
CHI is grateful for the support of Care Connections of Northern Iowa and remains committed to providing high-quality affordable housing and services to communities across Iowa.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Care Connections of Northern Iowa is a collaboration of 6 Iowa Counties. Their purpose is to have a coordinated system of care for citizens experiencing mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities. More information can be found on their website, www.ccnia.org.
More information about CHI can be found on its website, www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164 | [email protected]
The post CHI Receives $122,094 from Care Connections of Northern Iowa through Community Impact Grant appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>The post Iowa Finance Authority awards HOME funds to Community Housing Initiatives appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>February 1st, 2023
Iowa Finance Authority awards HOME funds to Community Housing Initiatives
The Iowa Finance Authority on February 1st announced it has allocated $1,030,488 in HOME funding to Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) for Evergreen Trail and Tulip Tree.
Evergreen Trail was awarded $533,319. The project is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a rehabilitation of a scattered site housing project creating 26 HOME units. Twenty of the units are reserved for persons aged 62 or older. Preservation of this important affordable housing stock will include upgrades to appliances, flooring, HVAC systems, and enhanced handicapped accessibility features.
Tulip Tree was awarded $497,169. This new construction project is in Marion, Iowa, and is new construction of 3 HOME units with a total of 40 units reserved for seniors aged 55 and over.
Funds awarded by the Iowa Finance Authority will help the non-profit CHDO organization offset substantial increases in costs to complete these projects. CHDO organizations are private nonprofit, community-based organization that has staff with the capacity to develop affordable housing for the community it serves.
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing development and consulting group. 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 across the state to promote the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Iowa Finance Authority’s release on its February 1st funding decision contains useful information about the HOME program. It is available at www.iowafinance.com.
More information about CHI can be found on its website, www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164| [email protected]
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]]>The post Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives’ Adel Manor Apartments appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
]]>September 1st
Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives’ Adel Manor Apartments
REHABILITATION OF 68 UNITS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 2023.
The Iowa Finance Authority on August 31st announced it has allocated $750,922 in annual Housing Tax Credits to Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) to update Adel Manor in Adel.
The property, located at 500 Van Fossen Lane, offers 68, 1-bedroom apartments for seniors and persons with disabilities. Adel Manor offers project-based rental assistance, meaning rents are based on 30% of the individual monthly income.
Funds awarded by the Iowa Finance Authority for rehabilitation will help the non-profit organization to update handicapped accessibility features, modernize amenities, enhance energy efficiency, update HVAC, and add in-unit washers and dryers. “CHI and Adel Manor have worked together for nearly two decades, starting with the development of Van Fossen Square. It has been our pleasure to work alongside the Adel Manor Board of Directors to secure funding to preserve this wonderful community asset,” said Sam Erickson, CEO.
“We look forward to investing resources into Adel Manor to assure it continues to provide high-quality housing for the Adel community for the next 40 years.” Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2023, although a specific date has not been set.
Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. (CHI) is Iowa’s largest non-profit housing development and consulting group. 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 across the state to promote the development of safe, affordable, and accessible rental housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Iowa Finance Authority’s release on its August 31st funding decision contains useful information about the Housing Tax Credit and HOME programs. It is available at www.iowafinance.com
More information about CHI can be found on its website, www.chihousing.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Savannah Minnick
Director of Marketing and Communications
515-350-8164| [email protected]
The post Iowa Finance Authority awards federal funds to Community Housing Initiatives’ Adel Manor Apartments appeared first on Community Housing Initiatives News.
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