Media Contact: Jesse Dean, CSH, [email protected]
Des Moines, IA | July 23, 2025 – The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) invited funders and partners to the finale for the inaugural Iowa Supportive Housing Institute (the Institute). Participants in the first-ever Iowa Institute presented development projects that will build a pipeline of supportive housing projects across the state.
The Iowa Institute is a collaboration between CSH and IFA designed to accelerate affordable and supportive housing development locally. The five-month training program brings together developers, service providers, property managers, and other local partners to learn how to develop supportive housing, which is permanent, affordable housing that offers supportive services for residents. The program was designed to strengthen local capacity, encourage collaboration, and prepare communities to advance viable, well-planned supportive housing proposals.
“Housing for our lowest-income residents is one of Iowa’s most urgent needs, particularly for those experiencing homelessness,” said Debi Durham, IFA Director. “The dedication and hard work of the teams that participated in the inaugural Iowa Supportive Housing Institute have led to promising project concepts that can help address homelessness and create lasting stability for Iowans in need.”
CSH, a national nonprofit that helps communities advance supportive housing, provided customized technical assistance to Institute teams as they designed their projects.
“Supportive housing is more than a roof over someone’s head. It’s a proven foundation for stability, dignity, and opportunity,” said Amy Stetzel, CSH Upper Midwest Director. “The Iowa Supportive Housing Institute equips local teams with the tools and partnerships they need to bring their innovative development projects to life. We’re excited to see these projects move forward and make a lasting difference for Iowans experiencing homelessness.”
The seven teams who participated in the Institute represent communities and partners across Iowa:
- Burlington – City of Burlington, United Way of Southeast Iowa, Midwest Realty Group, Burlington Area Homeless Shelter
- Cedar Rapids – Hawkeye Area Community Action Program
- Davenport (2 teams) – Humility Homes & Gratus Development; Vera French, Quad Cities Housing Council & the Salvation Army
- Des Moines – Anawim Housing, Cutler Development
- Sioux City – City of Sioux City, RentSUX, Heartland Counseling Services
- Waterloo – Friends of the Family, Cedar Valley Housing Corporation
“Supportive housing is an evidence-based intervention and one of the most effective tools we have that helps people experiencing homelessness find stability and thrive,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO of CSH. “The Iowa Supportive Housing Institute reflects what’s possible when committed partners come together with a shared vision. We are especially grateful to the Iowa Finance Authority for their leadership and investment in making these projects a reality for Iowans facing the greatest barriers to housing.”
Several standout project teams from the Institute will be showcasing their project proposals at the upcoming HousingIowa Conference, taking place September 3 – 4, 2025. Full details are available at housingiowaconference.com.
About Iowa Finance Authority
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) creates opportunities for Iowans, communities and businesses to thrive by making affordable financing possible for home and community. Each year, IFA helps thousands of Iowa families achieve homeownership, access safe and affordable rental housing and get back on their feet in times of need. IFA also supports new farmers in launching their operations, helps communities affordably upgrade water infrastructure, and provides title protection for homeowners.
About CSH
CSH (Corporation for Supportive Housing) advances affordable and accessible housing aligned with services by advocating for effective policies and funding, investing in communities, and strengthening the supportive housing field. Since our founding in 1991, CSH has been the only national nonprofit intermediary focused solely on increasing the availability of supportive housing. Over the course of our work, we have created more than 467,600 units of affordable and supportive housing and distributed over $1.5 billion in loans and grants. Our workforce is central to accomplishing this work. We employ approximately 170 people across 30 states and U.S. Territories. As an intermediary, we do not directly develop or operate housing but center our approach on collaboration with a wide range of people, partners, and sectors. For more information, visit www.csh.org.
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