Sieda Community Action and rent rebate referrals in SE Iowa
One organization is providing serious rent relief for lower income families and individuals that live in several counties of Southeast Iowa. Sieda Community Action is one of the leading forces against homelessness in rural Iowa, and it is making a big impact in these communities.
For local households who are in a difficult situation due to employment issues, Sieda can provide some much-needed assistance when it seems that nothing is going right for a family. This organization can intervene to make life better, particularly when a tenant is unable to afford a rent payment.
What the agency does is to first meet with each client to determine what the underlying causes of their financial difficulties are. Causes could include job loss, a cut in hours, car repairs, medical emergency or death in the family. It could even be based on an increase in rent and utilities, which can stretch a budget when income does not increase also.
Rent rebate referrals
One method in the Sieda toolchest is the use of rent rebates. These can be used to provide a subsidy for rent when a tenant cannot afford the full rent price.
A rebate can offset the high cost of rent. It essentially works similar to a voucher, where a tenant is still responsible for a portion of the rental rate. The rebate covers the other portion.
Sieda Community Action does not pay the amounts directly. Instead it is entrusted to provide necessary referrals to the community agencies that pay the rent subsidies. Case managers can make recommendations in situations where they believe that rebates are warranted due to extenuating circumstances that could jeopardize a tenant’s rental history and potentially lead to an eviction if the funds are not provided.
How to get help with rent
Local residents who need help with rent and living accommodations may make arrangements to meet with a Community Action Specialist. They can simply contact their Neighborhood Resource Center to schedule an appointment.
- Appanoose County residents may call 641-856-8437 for an appointment in the Centerville office.
- The Davis County office is located in Bloomfield. Call 641-664-1911.
- The Fairfield Office serves all of Jefferson County. Call 641-472-6140.
- Keokuk County residents can call 641-622-3443 for the Sigourney office.
- In Osceola the agency serves all of Mahaska County. Call 641-673-8758.
- Van Buren County tenants may call 319-293-3722 for the Keosauqua office.
- Ottumwa hosts the Wapello County office. Call 641-682-8741 for help.
Applicants should understand that the rent rebates are just one recommendation that a Community Action Specialist may make. There could be other suggestions that involve budgeting changes, increased income or grants from other organizations. Weatherization grants may be allowed for drafty homes, such as when landlords cannot afford the updates on their own. Energy assistance could help with utility bills also. Residents who need help should call the closest Neighborhood Resource Center to get started on a path towards self-sufficiency.