Rural Housing Readiness Assessment

The Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA) is a tool that helps communities self-assess their housing needs and guides them in the decision-making process when addressing those needs. It guides communities in considering options that ensure existing and potential residents are able to find safe, secure, and quality housing that meets their needs and fits within their budgets. The RHRA helps communities know what kinds of housing-related information they should gather and review to make informed decisions. The assessment checklists aid in the creation of local housing policy that is appropriate for the needs and desires of a community.

 

Omar Padilla

opadilla@iastate.edu

Target Audience


Rural communities interested in assessing their current housing situation to ensure that residents have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing.

Delivery Method


The RHRA program is made possible through a partnership between participating communities, Iowa State University Extension Community and Economic Development (CED) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Communities with less than 20,000 residents may apply to IEDA's Rural Housing Assessment Grant, including proof of local investment in the form of a $5,000 cash match. Successful applicants will go through CED's Rural Housing Readiness Assessment (RHRA). Upon successful completion of the RHRA, each community becomes eligible for up to $10,000 towards the support of a housing initiative that results from the RHRA program. 

 

Fee


The fee is $5,000.