The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, with 21 years of promoting and supporting affordable housing for people with low incomes, is increasing the amount of support available during the upcoming summer funding round.

Johnson County is one of the most expensive places to live in Iowa and affordable options have not kept pace with the need. As the cost of housing has increased at a rapid pace, the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County wants to spur additional investment by increasing support available through the Revolving Loan Fund. The Trust Fund specializes in offering below market rate interest and other terms based on the income levels to be served, the length of time the housing will remain affordable to people with low incomes, etc.

Currently the maximum guideline for any new housing is $50,000 per unit and this will increase based on the size of the housing to be developed. For example, the maximum award for a two-bedroom dwelling will double to $100,000. To preserve housing that is affordable through rehabilitation, the maximum award guideline is currently $25,000 and will increase during the next round based on the size of the unit. A two-bedroom dwelling, for example, will allow for up to $50,000 in rehabilitation support.

The summer funding round, with the higher maximum awards, is anticipated to be announced on May 30 and applications will be due the first week of July. Funding decisions are expected in late July. Those interested in applying for support to provide and/or preserve housing for people with low incomes should contact the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County at 319-358-0212 or emccabe@ htfjc.org. A variety of training programs including an overview on the Revolving Loan Fund and how to qualify residents based on income are readily available. A sample application along with application guidance is available at: https:// www.htfjc.org/revolving-loan-program.

The Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit entity, was founded in 2004 and has invested more than $17 million in creating and preserving housing that is affordable for 1,300 households with low incomes.