–Representatives from the Homes for Iowa program gave an informational presentation to area business leaders on Friday, emphasizing how it can be implemented in Kossuth County. David Miller is the Executive Director of Homes for Iowa, a non-profit organization that builds affordable homes using inmate labor from the Newton Correctional Facility.
Miller says over 600 inmates have been part of the program that builds modular home, providing them with job skills and affordable housing at the same time.
Miller says it takes about 6 months to complete a home, and they are working to expand the program to increase the number of homes produced. The meeting was hosted by the Kossuth/Palo Alto Economic Development Corporation. Executive Director Tod Faris says Homes for Iowa is a program that many people may not know about.
Faris says when they talk to business owners in the area, finding affordable housing is one problem they run into when trying to hire new employees.
Homes for Iowa delivered its 150th home to Mason City in January. Faris says these homes can benefit any size of community.
Homes for Iowa offers different design options for potential homeowners, each with a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom option. Homes built at the Newton Correctional Facility have been delivered to over 50 different Iowa counties. You can learn more by going to www.homesforia.com.
