Transitional and Permanent Housing at DVIP

With the eviction moratorium in Iowa coming to a close recently, the number of families struggling to pay rent due to unemployment or reduced hours is predicted to continue increasing across Iowa. On Friday May 29th, 2020, Governor Reynolds allocated federal CARES Act funds to assist Iowans who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 and may have difficulty paying their rent or mortgage payments through the COVID-19 Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program. The online application is now available.

While the criteria for application is feasible for most people, it can create barriers for victims/survivors of domestic violence. The financial documentation for proof of income loss or housing loss might not be accessible to a person who has fled his/her situation during COVID-19. 

For over 40 years, DVIP has been working hard to help remove barriers for those in need and to foster safety and dignity for domestic violence victims. With continued need for social distancing, DVIP is making every effort to place individuals into permanent homes more quickly to shorten their stay in our emergency shelter. 

The cost of application fees is unfortunately not covered by the Federal and State Housing grants we receive, which is why we are turning to our community for help. DVIP works with many individuals that are starting over with no money and for whom the cost of moving to a new safe home is out of their reach.

Over the coming year, DVIP is expected to assist nearly 160 individuals and their children with housing assistance (totaling 300 victims/survivors). The cost of application fees for these individuals totals nearly $12,000 for the year, at an average of $75 per household. With your financial help towards application fees, we can help victims/survivors with other housing expenditures such as rent. Please visit our donation page or text DVIPSAFETY to 44-321 to donate today!