HPRP HOMELESS PREVENTION & RAPID RE-HOUSING or IOWA RENTAL HELP PROGRAM

The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP) Program is also known by the name of Iowa Rental Help and further information about the program as it is being administered in the State of Iowa may be found at the following website established by the Iowa Finance Authority:

http://www.iowarentalhelp.com

 The HPRP Program may provide temporary financial assistance and housing relocation and stabilization services to individuals and families who are “homeless” or who would be homeless but for this assistance. HUD expects HPRP resources to be targeted and prioritized to serve households that are most in need of this temporary assistance and who are most likely to achieve stabilized housing once the temporary assistance ends. It is NOT long-term assistance. The HPRP Program focuses on housing stabilization and links program participants to community resources and mainstream benefits and helps them develop a housing plan to avoid future housing instability.

 The HPRP Program is NOT intended to meet the needs of every homeless individual. HPRP Case Managers are responsible for verifying and documenting potential program participant’s risk of imminent homelessness that may qualify them for receiving HPRP assistance as well as for verifying and documenting a potential program participant’s actual homelessness. Income eligibility, the need for assistance and the capacity of the household to maintain housing stability once program funds are no longer available must be evaluated, documented and certified at entrance into the program and at least once every three months after entry into the program. Program participants must have household incomes at or below 50% of the area median income for their county of residence and individuals or households with liquid assets, savings or checking account balances greater than $5,000 are not eligible to participate in the program.

 The household must either be homeless or at risk of losing its housing AND meet both of the following circumstances:

• No appropriate subsequent housing options have been identified AND
• The household lacks the financial resources and support networks needed to obtain immediate housing or to remain in its existing housing – the household must have no other available resources to eliminate the risk of eviction and/or homelessness.

 The program is unable to provide immediate help to anyone even if they are currently homeless or have an eviction notice. A waiting list does exist and applicants must make an appointment for a face to face meeting with an HPRP Case Manger in order to continue the application process. Application packets are available from the HPRP office to assist individuals and households in preparing for their initial appointment with a case manager and are available at the HPRP office or by calling 641-424-4155 or toll-free at 1-866-599-3155.