SWIPCO exists for our cities, counties, and customers.

Lead Based Paint Testing

SWIPCO offers Lead Based Paint Testing for homes built prior to 1978 in southwest Iowa. Testing is completely safe and reliable; no surface will be disturbed in the testing process. We will provide a complete report with test results. SWIPCO is providing this service at a minimal fee, with a discount for income qualified families. For more information contact Dave Riedemann at 1-866-279-4720.

Lead Safe Renovator Training

Dave Riedemann, SWIPCO's Housing Program Adminis-trator, offers Lead Safe Renovator training for contractors. This training is a requirement for all contractors. The EPA is requiring Lead Safe Renovator certification for ALL contractors and tradesmen who will be disturbing painted surfaces in "target" housing, as defined by HUD 24 CFR. This requirement will apply to all work on pre-1978 housing regardless of the source of funding. For more information, please contact Dave Riedemann at 1-866-279-4720.

SWIPCO operates an X-Ray Fluorescence Gun with a grant from IEDA. It is a valuable asset in our lead hazard reduction efforts. This XRF gun can measure lead levels in soil, thin films and painted surfaces with a high degree of accuracy.

SWIPCO, serving sixty-three municipalities in eight counties - Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Millls, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby.

Region Map

SWIPCO is governed by a 17 member Policy Council consisting of one supervisor from each county board, six citizens who are appointed by the county boards and three that are selected by the Council. These members represent the areas of business, education, human services, economic development, government and community life.

Housing

The housing department provides services through Southwest Iowa Housing Trust Fund, Inc. sharing staff, facilities, and resources. Some of the services offered are listed below. If you would like more information on anything listed please feel free to contact any of our Housing Staff! For more information on Southwest Iowa Housing Trust Fund, Inc (SWIHTF) please go to the SWIHTF page.

Through the SWIPCO Housing Department, services include the following:

Lead safe renovator training for contractors
Unsafe building inspections
Homeownership assistance and/or rehabilitation
Grant applications for affiliate municipalities to improve housing options
Disaster assistance programs for homes affected by natural disasters
Rehabilitation of rental units

Housing Grant Information

Housing Repair Program: In partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), and MidStates Bank. We provide repairs to improve health, safety, and energy efficiency in owner occupied homes. Assistance comes in the form of a 5-year forgivable loan, forgiven at 20% for each year the applicant keeps the home as their primary residence. Some of the requirements include primary residence of the owner, located in one of the eight counties served by SWIPCO (not including Council Bluffs), and income eligibility. To be put on the waiting list, please contact Sandy Hansen or Karen Mauer at 1-866-279-4720.

Note: SWIPCO is not currently accepting new applications

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): We assist member cities to provide repairs to bring homes up to Iowa Minimum Housing Standards. Assistance is provided as a 5-year forgivable loan. Requirements include, but are not limited to, residing within the target area, income qualified, home must be the primary residence of the owner, and must apply within the posted time frame. Applicants are selected by an appointed housing committee. For more information please contact Karen Mauer or Sandy Hansen at 1-866-279-4720.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program: SWIPCO is helping the Cities of Shenandoah and Hamburg to construct new affordable homes and rehab existing homes through the NSP program. Interested parties must meet income guidelines and be pre-approved for a mortgage through an approved lender. As homes become available in these cities the applications will be posted here. For more information please contact Jeremy MIddents at 1-866-279-4720.

click here for the 807 Seventh Ave Shenandoah housing application

click here for 1112 W Lowell Shenandoah housing application

New Construction Homes: SWIPCO is offering down payment assistance of 25% of the purchase price on newly constructed homes in Avoca, Crescent, Glenwood, Logan, and Woodbine. This assistance is a 5-year forgivable loan. Applicants must meet income guidelines and keep the home as a primary residence during the 5 year period. For more information contact Jeremy Middents at 1-866-279-4720.

click here for application

Purchase/Rehab/Resell: SWIHTF is purchasing vacant or foreclosed homes throughout southwest Iowa to complete full rehabilitation and then sell the homes to low to moderate income homebuyers. Interested parties must meet income guidelines and be pre-approved for a mortgage through an approved lender. As homes become available the applications will be posted here.

click here for an application for 306 W. 14th St., Atlantic, Iowa

Rental Rehabilitation: SWIHTF is offering funding to rehabilitate existing rental units. The units may be owned by a non-profit or for-profit entity. Assisted units also must house residents that meet 50% of median income limits. Assistance will provide 50% of rehabilitation costs up to $5,000 per assisted unit. A maximum of three units may be assisted.

Lead Based Paint Stabilization: SWIHTF can assist owner occupied households in improving health concerns by eliminating lead based paint hazards in their homes. Priority will be given to homes with children who have elevated blood lead levels.

click here for an application

Home Ownership Assistance: SWIHTF can assist potential homebuyers of new and existing housing with down payment assistance. SWIHTF can fund up to 7% of the purchase price up to $7,000. the first $4,000 is a 5-year forgivable loan, forgiven at 20% per year. The remaining amount is a 1% loan for up to 5 years. For more information contact Karen Mauer at 1-866-279-4720.

Demolition: SWIHTF assists cities in eliminating dilapidated housing units in their communities. SWIHTF will pay for 50% of costs for asbestos inspection, abatement, and demolition of city owned structures, leaving the property a clean, level lot.

click here for an application

Repair Loan Program: SWIHTF can provide funds for owner-occupied housing repairs for health, safety, and energy efficiency needs. This program offers loan funds at 1% interest to applicants at or below 110% county median income. For more information contact Karen Mauer at 1-866-279-4720.

Housing Department Contact Information
	Jeremy Middents ~ Housing Director jeremy.middents@swipco.org
	Sandy Hansen ~ Housing Coordinator sandy.hansen@swipco.org
	Karen Mauer ~ Finance Manager karen.mauer@swipco.org
	Dave Riedemann ~ Housing Programs Administrator dave.riedemann@swipco.org