Help with rent in Marion County, IA

Families who are struggling to pay rent in Marion County, Iowa are supported by multiple government agencies and community nonprofit organizations. These entities partner to provide aid to Iowans who are at risk of an eviction.

Whether someone lives in Pella, Knoxville or smaller towns in the county, support can be obtained when necessary to prevent an eviction. Support sometimes comes in the form of cash grants, although there are other valuable forms of aid that can be received.

Permanent Rent Subsidies

Households who have chronic financial troubles may qualify to have a portion of their rent paid on their behalf monthly. This can be accomplished either through occupying a unit in a public housing project or through a housing choice voucher. The voucher allows for subsidies to be paid to a private landlord, leaving only a portion of the rent to be paid by the tenant.

The Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) provides public housing and subsidy vouchers to Marion County tenants (excluding Knoxville and Pella residents). Call the Grimes office at 515-986-1882 for information on vacancies for public housing and the waiting list for housing choice vouchers.

Seniors may be provided low-cost rent at Fair Haven West, Vriendschap Village, Pella Manor, Fair Haven East and Jefferson Place.

Emergency Rent Assistance

Emergency cash payments are sometimes approved for situations where homelessness is a threat. Case workers can step in when an eviction notice has been posted and/or an eviction has been ordered.

Red Rock Area Community Action Program operates an emergency rental assistance program to combat the homelessness threat. Funds are released directly to landlords who agree to drop the eviction proceedings. Those who have already been evicted are often provided with motel vouchers while the agency works to place the family in transitional housing.

Not all applications are approved. Case managers must be reasonably certain that the tenant will be able to afford the ongoing rent payments after aid is rendered. Call 641-842-6571 to set an appointment. Any eviction notices should be provided as evidence of need.

General Assistance from the County can be paid to those who are experiencing a rent emergency. Utility payments are also eligible. Call 641-828-2201.

Funds paid from the Department of Human Services can cover some rent emergencies. Call 641-842-5087 or visit the DHS office on Main Street in Knoxville.

Crossroads of Pella receives United Way support to provide emergency rent aid to people in crisis. Call 641-628-1212 to schedule an appointment with a case manager. Direct aid is often approved, while some cases are also referred to area partners for further assistance.

Emergency Rental Loans

Finance companies and other high-cost options cannot be recommended to cover a temporary rent crisis. There is a lower cost option for those who earn too much money to be approved for grant-based aid.

Community 1st Credit Union is the sole nonprofit financial institution in Marion County. The Pella branch on Main Street accepts applications for loans from members. Membership is open to any resident or worker in Marion County.

Signature loans were as low as 8.40% APR at press time, although rates may vary depending on economic conditions and the creditworthiness of the applicant. Call 866-360-5370 for a customer service representative at the main call center.