Metro Home Improvement Program

The City of Altoona, with the collaboration of seven other metro cities, participates in The Metro Home Improvement Program (MHIP) with the purpose to preserve affordable housing stock in these communities. The participating cities are Ankeny, Altoona, Bondurant, Grimes, Polk City, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights. The Program is currently accepting applications from homeowners interested in the program.  The Program is able to assist three to four homeowners per funding period per city.  Homeowners that are not assisted presently will be placed on a waiting list for the next available funding.

The assistance is for housing repairs such as 1.) Sump pump installation and connection to storm sewer; 2.) Basic structural repairs such as exterior walls, roof and roof structure, foundation, floor joists, and ceilings; 3.) Building systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating; 4.) Weatherization such as insulation, windows, and siding; 5.) Handicap accessibility projects such as exterior ramps and bathroom facilities. The awards are in the form of a five-year forgivable loan to eligible households with income less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Polk County. Eligible property types are owner-occupied dwellings (both single family & townhouses/condos) and do not include mobile homes, homes being purchased on contract, or rental units. The house assisted must be the primary residence of the applicant and not assessed above $200,000. Property taxes, mortgage payments, and insurance must be current.

The Metro Home Improvement Program is administered by the City of West Des Moines. The program is funded through the participating cities and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.  For further information or a program application, visit the following link www.wdm.iowa.gov/mhip or contact Christine Gordon or Kay Schoon at (515) 273-0770.

Metro Home Improvement Program 2024