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Our Mission |
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The Mission of Polk County Housing and Neighborhood Development Division (HND) shall be to improve the quality of life for the very low, low and moderate income citizens of Polk County and, at the same time, rekindle community pride through economic and political empowerment and development of lasting partnerships between government and the community. More specifically, HND will:
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Increase economic opportunities and improve living standards through mobilization of all available resources within and outside the community.
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Conduct assessment of existing conditions to discover opportunities as well as problems;
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Maintain an unbiased approach to housing and community development, maximizing existing opportunities, and tailoring problem solutions to specific needs and cultural preferences;
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Increase public awareness of and facilitate ongoing participation in the community development process; and
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Provide leadership and leadership training through development and nurturing of neighborhood organizations.
Housing & Neighborhood Development administers federal and state grant programs. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs serve low-income families in unincorporated Polk County as well as in other cities and towns throughout the county. The division's primary objective is assisting in the development of sustainable communities. Sustainable communities are achieved by implementing neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and the provision of improved community facilities and services.
The Housing & Neighborhood Development Division also administers the affordable housing and the homeowner rehabilitation programs funded by the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. These programs are intended to increase housing opportunities for very low, low and moderate income households and to rehabilitate substandard homes in keeping with the policy set by the Board of County Commissioners that stable neighborhoods are the cornerstone of community development.
The Housing & Neighborhood Development Division also administers Section 8 Rental Housing Assistance funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Housing Program.
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Programs and Services
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 established the Community Development Block Grant Program to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate income. Each CDBG-funded activity must meet one of three national objectives including (1) Principally benefiting low and moderate income persons; (2) Preventing or eliminating slum and blight; or (3) Meeting other community development needs having a particular urgency.
Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program
Preserving and enhancing Polk County's affordable housing stock through rehabilitation of owner-occupied dwellings is the goal of the HOME Program. Very low and low homeowners whose homes were determined unfeasible for rehabilitation may be replaced with a new single-family unit. Community housing development organizations may also implement housing activities.
Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)
Also funded by HUD, grants to nonprofit organizations are used to provide emergency shelter and associated support services to homeless individuals and families.
State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP)
The SHIP Program provides down payment and closing costs assistance, minor repair, rehabilitation or replacement of owner-occupied dwellings, home counseling, and rehabilitation or new construction of multifamily affordable rental housing units. These programs are available to very low, low, and moderate income persons.
Disaster Recovery Assistance
Implemented only in the event of a natural disaster declaration by the Governor, this program provides assistance for minor repairs, substantial rehabilitation, or reconstruction of eligible housing for very low, low, and moderate income households whose properties have been damaged by a natural disaster. To be eligible, the house must be owner-occupied at the time of the disaster with needed repairs not covered by insurance.
Section 8 Housing
Section 8 Rental Assistance provides low income families with safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities as they strive to achieve self-sufficiency and improve the quality of their lives.
Demolition and Clearance Program
Funded by the Community Development Block Grant, the program's goals are to eliminate slum and blight in unincorporated areas of Polk County. HND staff identifies potential problem structures located in low and moderate income areas contributing to the physical, social, and/or economic decline.
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