Domestic Violence Intervention Program to build transitional housing in Iowa City

IOWA CITY — The Domestic Violence Intervention Program plans to use $2.4 million in grant money to build six town homes on the east side of Iowa City that will serve families fleeing domestic violence.

The grant from the Iowa Finance Authority comes from HOME-ARP funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.

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DVIP will aim to have the homes fully leased and operational by 2027, if not sooner, with construction slated to begin in November.

As part of the grant application process, Iowa City planned to give the city-owned land — assessed at around $270,000 — to DVIP for free.

Under the terms of the agreement approved by the Iowa City Council, DVIP must maintain an affordability period of 20 years. Families that live in the town homes must meet certain low-income requirements and will pay a predesignated portion of their income as rent. Both those numbers still are being finalized, and families will be able to stay in the homes for as long as they meet the income eligibility requirements.

“This project aligns with the city goals, with the city's broader commitment to equitable, inclusive housing, using innovative partnerships … and by transferring this property, the city is leveraging public assets to support deeply needed housing with building services,” Tracy Hightshoe, city neighborhood & development services director, said at a City Council meeting.

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DVIP says it will look to keep the rent as low as possible and will provide other supportive services to the families throughout their time living in the town homes.

The town homes likely will be only for families that have recently sought emergency shelter or other services. DVIP says it also will look to expand apartment options for single individuals in a similar situation.

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“It’s something that is designed to be able to create that foundation to help that family move forward. And so throughout the entire time in their care, they will receive case management support, assistance with job placement, education, resources for children, all of those items,” Kristie Fortmann-Doser, DVIP executive director, said at a City Council meeting.

DVIP was awarded around $1.7 million for the construction of the homes, while the other $700,000 is set aside for operating expenses that will last for the next six years.

The city secured the land in 2018 as part of its affordable housing action plan. Since then the land has been considered for a Low Income Housing Tax Credit development and a 3D-printed housing pilot, both of which fell through.

Comments: megan.woolard@thegazette.com

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