Housing

We hear from those working to address homelessness and affordable housing needs in Iowa — from a tiny home village for the homeless to youth advisory boards led by those impacted by housing insecurity.

Some residents of manufactured homes in Johnson County are asking for a two-year moratorium on rent increases in response to steep rent hikes and worsening living conditions at multiple locations owned by an out-of-state investor. They say changes began to take place after the lots were purchased by Havenpark Communities.

Over 700 people in Polk County are waiting for help getting into housing as homeless shelters continue to operate at overflow capacity. But finding affordable housing isn’t the only challenge — there’s also the problem of staying housed.

Places like Iowa seemed safe from the high insurance premiums of the coasts, but extreme weather like the 2020 Derecho has made insurers raise premiums, restrict coverage or even leave the state.

A Des Moines nonprofit is trying for a second time to win approval to build a tiny home village to provide permanent affordable housing for people who are homeless.

Progress is slow and steady after an EF3 twister struck Minden on April 26, 2024. Even with some concerns about insurance payouts, the mayor is optimistic about the future.