NEICAC operates four Affordable Housing complexes. The NEICAC Calmar Apartments is a 12-unit multi-family complex. In Decorah we have a 16-unit senior apartment complex, named Washington Court. Our next project was the Woolen Mill Apartments.

All the projects were completed with a collaboration of partners varying from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Hawkeye REC, Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, City of Decorah, Decorah Bank and Trust, Bank of the West, and Habitat for Humanity. Each property maintains full occupancy with waiting lists.

NEICAC has completed its fifth project, the Rent to Own Program. This program involved the building of five homes, four in Cresco and one in Postville. All homes have three bedrooms and are rented for one - three years by a first-time homebuyer who meets the program's income guidelines. Then, after taking the requred Homebuyer Education Classes, the renter can buy the home for approximately half the cost of construction. These five homes are all occupied with two sold and the next three renters completing their Homebuyer Education Classes and looking to purchase this spring⁄summer of 2009.

Housing Preservation Program
NEICAC has been awarded a Housing Preservation Grant provided through the USDA Rural Development Department. These funds are to be used exclusively for repair and rehabilitation activities of houses that contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the low-income occupants. Work performed must contribute to the structural integrity or long-term preservation of the unit. The geographic areas to be served are the counties of: Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek. Information regarding this program will be available at our Family Service Office in November of 2007.

Section 8 Rental Assistance is HUD's federally funded program to provide rental assistance to low-income families to secure decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in a non-discriminatory manner from the private rental market. Click here for more information.

Homeless Assistance is provided through the Emergency Shelter Operating Grant and the Community Services Block Grant. This program provides cash assistance for rent, deposits and utilities. Contact your local Family Service Office for information and application.

Future Development
NEICAC Housing is currently developing housing resources in all seven counties we serve. Our newest endeavor involved creating housing advisory committees in each county. These committee findings will be used to determine what is missing as part of each county's affordable housing scenario. NEICAC's Board of Directors will then evaluate these findings to guide the Housing program towards its next project. This has led to Phase II of the Rent To Own program now under construction, including four homes, two in Cresco, one in Lawler, and one in West Union. These homes are on schedule to be completed in May of 2009 and ready for occupancy on June 1, 2009. Rent will be $450 plus utilities for these three bedroom homes.

Related Links:

Iowa Finance Authority
USDA Rural Development
Iowa Department of Economic Development
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines