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Housing Services

Mission: To provide quality affordable housing opportunities within Des Moines and Polk County, and to facilitate, where possible, self-sufficiency for its clients.

The Housing Services Department administers and monitors the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), Supportive Housing Program (SHP), Public Housing for the City of Des Moines, and Section 8 for Polk County. Funding for these programs is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These programs are administered by the following divisions:

Community Investment Administration (CIA)

The CIA administers programs included under HUD’s Consolidated Plan (CDBG, HOME, and ESG), and the SHP program for the homeless. The division develops contracts with agencies to implement housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, code enforcement, new housing construction, public services, economic development, crime prevention, homeless services and neighborhood revitalization. The CIA then monitors the agencies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and provides technical assistance as needed. The division also reports to the City Council, federal agencies, and the Neighborhood Revitalization Board, a citizen review board, on the progress and status of projects.

Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA)

The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA) provides rental assistance to qualified low- and moderate-income individuals and families with funding provided by HUD. The two major assistance programs, created by HUD, are:

1. Public Housing – DMMHA owns and manages rental properties within the city of Des Moines.
2. Section 8 Housing Voucher Program – DMMHA provides rental assistance for rental units within Polk County that are owned by private property owners.

Additionally, DMMHA administers a self-sufficiency program and a homeownership program for program participants.

Leasing

The Leasing Division of the DMMHA handles the application process for Public Housing and Section 8 housing assistance programs. Eligibility for the Public Housing and Section 8 programs is determined by family composition, arrest history, past participation in federally subsidized programs, rental history, and income guidelines determined by HUD for Des Moines.

Public Housing

The DMMHA owns and manages apartment buildings, townhouses, duplex apartments, and single family houses for eligible low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Approximately 390 rental units are federally funded through HUD. All of these rental units are located within the city limits of Des Moines.

• 5(h) Affordable Homeownership – DMMHA has implemented a homeownership program for low - moderate residents of Des Moines. Currently, 98 houses are slated for sale to qualified families and individuals. If you would like additional information, please call (515) 323-8950.
• Disposition – Currently, the DMMHA is in the process of disposing of (selling) our scattered-site, single family units through a process called “Disposition.” What will remain when this is completed (approximately 8-10 years) will be 390 units located in our five manors: Royal View Manor (singles, elderly, disabled), East View Manor (elderly only), Southview Manor (elderly only), Highland Park Plaza (elderly only), and Oak Park Plaza (elderly only).
• Elderly Services Coordinator – A full-time Service Coordinator is available at our five manors to ensure that residents have access to support services necessary for them to live independently.

Section 8

Section 8 programs provide rental assistance to low-income families and elderly or disabled individuals who rent from a private landlord. Eligibility for the Section 8 program is determined by family composition, arrest history, past participation in federally subsidized programs, and income guidelines established by HUD, which provides the program's funding. Approximately 3,000 households are served through Section 8 programs throughout Polk County.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE SECTION 8 PROGRAM: The DMMHA is currently issuing vouchers ONLY as participants leave the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. As a result, if you are currently on the Section 8 waiting list, the wait time may be longer than anticipated dependent upon the number of participants that leave the Program each month.

Click here to take the Section 8 Property Owner Customer Service Survey

Maintenance

The Maintenance division handles everything from routine service calls to vacant unit turnaround and preventative maintenance. Routine service is provided during business hours Monday through Friday. Emergencies are handled 24 hours per day. Maintenance personnel may be reached at (515) 323-8950.

Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS)

The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program assists families either leasing DMMHA housing units or families participating in Section 8 rental assistance program to work towards a goal of becoming financially self-sufficient.

Public Housing Board

The Public Housing Board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the administrative offices at Park Fair Mall.

For more information, contact the Housing Services Department at (515) 323-8950.