Nearly 1,200 in Linn, Johnson aided through state’s rental help

Nearly 1,200 households in Linn and Johnson counties have had their rent paid under a state program over the past 10 months, Iowa Finance Authority officials said today.

“If it wasn't for their help, I really don't know where I'd be right now,” said Tammy Hansen of Harlan.

Hansen is one of 7,827 Iowans receiving aid under the Iowa Rental Help program since it was launched last October with $11 million in federal stimulus money. The program provides temporary help with rent, utility bills, and security deposits to households facing immediate threat of homelessness.

That's where Hansen, 39, found herself last November, when she and her 5 and 8-year-old daughters left her abusive husband. After a brief stay with her in-laws in  a two-bedroom mobile home, Shelby County Community Outreach connected her with Iowa Rental Help.

“When I left I knew I was going to be homeless, but that's a choice I had to make for me and my girls,” said Hansen. “I was only making around $4 an hour plus tips” working as a waitress.

The program served 1,188 households in Johnson County and 804 in Linn, according to the Iowa Finance Authority, which administers Iowa Rental Help statewide.

“It bridges a gap if there's some kind of economic crisis, and they can get back on track,” said Carrie Slagle, Waypoint's director of homeless and housing services. The agency manages Iowa Rental Help in Cedar Rapids.

The program has used $2.7 million of its $11 million appropriation.

“We're hoping our (allotment) will last another year,” said Slagle.

Hansen said she's in her last month on the program, which kept a roof over her and her daughters until long-term rental aid from the Department of Housing and Urban Development became available.

“In this area there's at least a six month waiting period” for HUD assistance, Hansen said.

Hansen has returned to school at Iowa Western Community College, where she's working toward a degree in social work.

“Because the help I've received, I want to return that favor back,” she said.

Iowa Rental Help is open to households earning 50 percent or less of the area's median income - $23,650 for a single person and $33,800 for a family of four in Cedar Rapids; $26,600 and $38,000, respectively, in Iowa City. Participants must show proof of income and show evidence they're at risk of homelessness - an eviction notice, in most cases.

For information on Iowa Rental Help:

In Cedar Rapids, call Waypoint at (319) 365-1458, Ext. 140.

For the rest of Linn County, Johnson County and the counties covered by HACAP, call (319) 354-2051, or the 211 information line.