SWIPCO exists for our cities, counties, and customers.

Dave Riedemann, SWIPCO's Housing Program Adminis-trator, offers Lead Safe Renovator training certification for contractors. This training is a requirement for all contractors wishing to bid on HUD funded rehab projects. Beginning April 22nd 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 at dave.riedemann@swipco.org

Note: No classes are scheduled at this time due to regulation changes taking place in April 2010. When the next class is scheduled we will post it here, so check back often.

SWIPCO recently purchased an X-Ray Fluorescence Gun with a grant from IDED. It will be 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

SWIPCO has an expanding housing department with many facets. The housing program provides services with 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 Program, services include the following:

Training of contractors in lead safe work practices, allowing contractors to bid on federally funded repair and rehabilitation projects;
Providing unsafe building inspections;
Facilitating the Partnership Program for the Southwest Iowa Housing Trust Fund which builds funds that can be used as match for state and federal funding;
Assisting in homeowner purchase and/or rehabilitation with funding assistance from Community Development Block Grants, Federal Home Loan Bank, Iowa Finance Authority, and local cities.
Writing grant applications for affiliate munipalities to improve housing options;
Working with disaster assistance programs for businesses and homes affected by natural disasters.

Housing Grant Information

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB): In partnership with MidStates Bank, we provide repairs to improve health, safety and energy efficiency in homes. Assistance comes in the form of a 5-year forgivable loan, as long as the applicant keeps the home as their primary residence for five years. 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.

click here to download the FHLB Application - 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, as long as the applicant keeps the home as their primary residence for 5 years. 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.

click here to download the Avoca CDBG Application

click here to download the Griswold CDBG Application

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 MJ Broomfield at 1-866-279-4720.

click here for 1109 Argyle St. in Hamburg housing application

New Construction Homes: SWIPCO is offering down payment assistance of up to 25% of the purchase price on 11 newly constructed homes in Avoca, Logan, Glenwood, Neola, and Underwood. 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 more information and an application for the new construction homes

Housing Department Contact Information
	Jeremy Middents ~ Housing Director jeremy.middents@swipco.org
	Sandy Hansen ~ Housing Specialist sandy.hansen@swipco.org
	Dave Riedemann ~ Housing Programs Administrator dave.riedemann@swipco.org