Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund
The Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund was established in 2020 by the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation after a local Housing Coalition was formed over growing concerns of homelessness in Poweshiek County. Due to the negative impact of COVID-19 and the Derecho Storm of 2020 on individuals and families, there is a desperate need to provide assistance to those who are on the verge of homelessness and/or housing insecure in Poweshiek County.
Applications/reimbursement forms must be completed by the Grinnell Housing Authority on behalf of individuals. Please see information on the left side of the page on how to contact this agency.
Criteria for individuals receiving funds located in Poweshiek County:
- Assistance for rental deposits or back rent
- Assistance for utility bills related to obtaining housing
- Assistance for mitigating damage to a rental unit
- Assistance to obtain legal documents in order to apply for other housing funding assistance in the county
- Assistance for other extenuating circumstances related to obtaining housing and will be determined on a case by case basis
- Funds will not be paid directly to individuals receiving assistance but will be paid directly to reimburse landlords and/or other entities for utility or document fees.
When you think of housing insecurity, you might think of big cities—but right here in Poweshiek County, the struggle is often quiet and invisible. It looks like a family sleeping in their car, a neighbor choosing between buying groceries or paying their electric bill, or a worker unable to save up a down payment for a safe apartment.
The Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund exists to be the bridge during these hard times. We provide direct financial support for rent, utility bills, down payments, and even emergency short-term hotel vouchers when someone has nowhere else to go.
We can only keep our neighbors safely housed with your help. Every dollar donated goes directly to landlords and utility companies to keep local families safe and warm.
👉 Help us prevent eviction and homelessness in our community. Donate today: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/poweshiek-housing-assistance-fund/
We are so thankful to Alliant Energy for their valued support of the Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund!
📍 Need Support? The Grinnell Empowerment Center Is Here to Help
The Grinnell Empowerment Center is a welcoming resource for all residents of Poweshiek County. Located at 306 6th Ave. in Grinnell, the center connects individuals and families with services that support stability and independence.
Staff at the center can help with:
✔️ Housing resources
✔️ Food access
✔️ Clothing
✔️ Job and employment resources
The center is open daily, and the team is ready to help connect you with the support you need.
#poweshiekresources #communitysupport #GrinnellCares
💙 Help Keep Our Neighbors Housed
The Poweshiek Housing Assistance Fund (PHAF) provides short-term assistance with rent, utilities, housing deposits, and emergency shelter for households facing financial hardship.
With rising costs for housing and basic necessities, more families are seeking help—and the need continues to grow.
Your support helps local families stay safely housed during difficult times.
Every gift makes a difference. Consider supporting PHAF and helping a neighbor in need. ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/poweshiek-housing-assistance-fund/
#HousingStability #supportlocal #poweshiekcares
Thank you to the Grinnell United Way for supporting the PHAF with a grant in 2026!
Helping families and individuals stay in their home is a priority and with your support, we are making that happen.
#HousingHelp #poweshiekhousingassistnacefund #UnitedWay