You have likely driven by their great looking homes many times, but many Iowan's have no idea what this incredible organization does to provide affordable housing in Iowa. They were recently voted a best workplace, and we asked them to come in to talk about 3 major projects they completed last year.
Photo Credit: Anawim Housing
We were joined by Kate Rolfes in the marketing department at Anawim Housing, an incredible entity that provides affordable housing in Iowa, but also guides and mentors the individuals and families they serve to be completely self-sufficient.
Anawim owns and or/manages over 1100 units in central Iowa, providing safe and affordable homes to more than 2000 individuals. Their properties aren't limited to only single homes or townhomes, however, overall they have townhomes, apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes. 2017 was a big year and they successfully completed some major projects.
Legacy Project Townhomes
Project one was completing their very first privately funded development project known as their Legacy Project Townhomes. This was a key project for Anawim Housing because it provides housing to those making just above the 60% Area Median Income. This is significant because once a family makes above 60% they lose the ability to qualify for low-income housing, which is an obstacle for many.
The Legacy Project Townhomes serve a growing population in Des Moines that otherwise wouldn’t qualify for affordable housing, but struggles to find an affordable place to live.
Renovations For Affordable Housing in Iowa
Project two was that Anawim Housing successfully provided over $11.3 million in renovations. The renovations were done to 137 Anawim units in 2017 known as our Legacy Park project. Families who come to Anawim, can find a permanent solution to find a path to self-sustainability.
Rolfes told us a lot of attention and detail go into creating a home families and individuals love, plus something they can afford. And the model is working. 71% have stayed in Anawim Housing for more than 1 year, and continued with their program, with the average duration of stay being over 3 years.
20 Year Milestone
Last year, Anawim Housing marked an important milestone providing permanent supportive housing programs for over 20 years. 2017 marked over 250 permanent supportive housing units across Des Moines.
Rofles told us their efforts to make affordable housing in Iowa have greatly helped families as well as individuals who come from homelessness and suffer from either a mental illness, substance abuse, HIV and/or, are defined as medically fragile. Their staff meets with their families regularly to help each person on their unique road to self-sufficiency.
If you believe in hand-ups, and want to help more families alongside Anawim visit their website or donate to their initiative.
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