FreedomBank contributes to NEIRHTF’s Home Rehabilitation and First-Time Homebuyer Program ...

The Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund (NEIRHTF) program is designed to provide financial assistance to income-qualifying individuals, families, and senior citizens who live in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties. This program aims to help them with necessary home repairs so that they can continue living in a safe and affordable environment. Additionally, this fund offers support to first-time home buyers to help them with their down payment.

In the 2024 fiscal year, NEIRHTF received a grant of $393,766 from the Iowa Finance Authority for rehabilitation and down payment assistance. As part of its commitment to empowering the community’s success, FreedomBank contributed $2,875 in matching funds to NEIRHTF. Through matching contributions from local banks like FreedomBank, cities, counties and area residents can get up to $12,500 per project for various repairs and renovations like roof repair, furnace repair and replacement, energy efficiency updates, electrical and plumbing, handicap accessibility, homebuyer assistance, etc. Pictured in the submitted photo above at the matching funds check presentation are, left to right, FreedomBank Consumer Lender Kelli Mudderman, Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund Housing Planner Chris Troendle, and FreedomBank Senior Vice President Barb Shull.

Shull says she has witnessed how the down payment assistance program has helped people realize their dream of home ownership. She shared, “FreedomBank’s mortgage lenders have helped customers buy their first home using NEIRHTF’s down payment assistance program. They positively impact Waukon and the surrounding areas by providing this critical assistance.”

FreedomBank is committed to partnering with the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund and is grateful for its impact on helping the area thrive. Anyone who is, or who may know someone who is, interested in learning more about NEIRHTF’s home rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer support programs is encouraged to contact Chris Troendle at ctroendle@uerpc.org or 563-419-6202.