Iowa Housing Developer Uses HUD Funds
to Build Energy-efficient Homes

This family, assisted by Homeward, is 'snug as a bug' in their energy efficient home, and their monthly utility payment is more affordable, too.

HUD awarded a Rural Housing and Economic Development (RHED) grant totaling $300,000 to Homeward, Inc., Clarion, IA for affordable housing and $196,890 for economic development funding. The communities of Applington and St. Ansgar, Iowa will receive the funding. This assistance is part of HUD's continuing effort to help communities and non-profit agencies build capacity at the state and local level for rural housing and economic development and to support innovative housing activities in rural areas. Bob Bauman, president of Homeward and CEO of Butler County REC said, "This grant fits well with Homeward's mission of assisting rural communities with their housing needs. Making homes more energy efficient and constructing new homes are significant challenges in many rural communities. This HUD grant will help overcome some of the barriers."