Issue: February, 2015

Survey results keep rolling in...

To help us better understand our community's housing needs, PCHTF has been inviting Des Moines area residents to take part in a short survey. This information is a vital part of our work on Housing Tomorrow, Central Iowa's first regional housing plan. Now that we have over 500 responses, we have started to take a look at what people are saying - and the results are telling.

Even though Des Moines is an affordable place to live for many, nearly half say they pay too much for housing. 45% make a major sacrifice, whether it is on food, health care, or other daily needs, to make their housing payments. And nearly two-thirds of our respondents say they worry about their housing, whether it's repairs, cost, or safety.

If you haven't yet taken part in our survey, we would love to hear from you! Click here to participate. It only takes about 5-10 minutes, and the results are anonymous. Help us make Central Iowa a better place to live with only a few clicks!

New Housing Solutions

Clark Commons Is Ready for its Close-Up

You're invited to an open house!

HOME, Inc. will hold an open house on Wednesday, February 25th from 3 to 6 pm at their Clark Commons Project. The project, which is 5 units of permanent supportive housing, is located at the southwest corner of 13th and Clark Streets (1303-1305 Clark and 1510, 1512-1516 13th).

More Affordable Housing News

EPA Selects Polk County for Technical Assistance

Workshop will focus on equitable development

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on January 27 that 22 communities, including Polk County, will receive technical assistance to pursue development strategies that support smart growth and sustainability goals and encourage local economic development. Polk County Housing Trust Fund's application on behalf of Polk County was selected from among 121 applicants to the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program. EPA staff and national experts will conduct one to two-day workshops in the communities that focus on the specific sustainability tool each community requested in its application to EPA.

PCHTF Kicks Off 2015 Campaign

Fundraising effort to focus on housing "by the numbers"

Opportunity is knocking for you to join the Polk County Housing Trust Fund board and staff as the "Combined Campaign for Housing" kicks off later this month. This annual campaign raises critical dollars from the local corporate community so we can meet our vision: that families and individuals have safe, stable, and affordable housing. 100% of the money raised is awarded to local non-profit organizations with the capacity to assist those with housing needs.

Gunnar Olson Has the Floor

MPO's new communications manager talks housing

A small island on a remote lake could make a fine place to live - assuming you have a boat.

Such is the effect of transportation on housing. Even if the island were gifted to you for free, it could prove to be too expensive to live there if it means spending exorbitant sums on a boat, trailer, truck and fuel, just to get the paycheck, food, supplies, medical services and other resources you need to live. (Assuming your name is not Robinson Crusoe and you live in our interdependent civilization.)

Powerful Information

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