The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today the allocation of $686,019 to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Iowa, particularly in Des Moines. This funding, part of the Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program, aims to assist residents affected by severe weather events in May 2024.
"RUSH funding provides lifesaving assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors who struggle to find safe, stable housing in the wake of disasters," said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.
The announcement follows President Biden's declaration of two Major Disasters under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding (DR-4784-IA) and for Severe Storms and Tornadoes (DR-4779-IA). The allocated funds will be used for emergency shelter, rapid re-housing with up to 24 months of rental assistance, financial assistance for move-in costs, supportive services for those already homeless before the disaster, and homelessness prevention measures including utility assistance and outreach services for those at risk.
The State of Iowa will receive $151,114 while Des Moines will be allocated $534,905.
"Every day counts when communities are working to get people safely housed in the aftermath of disasters," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Marion McFadden for Community Planning and Development. "Today’s announcement and the recently published RUSH notice represent HUD’s commitment to strengthening our support for disaster impacted communities."
The RUSH funding is part of HUD's Emergency Solutions Grant program designed to provide rapid assistance in declared disaster areas where FEMA has activated Transitional Sheltering Assistance. This includes outreach efforts, emergency shelters, rapid re-housing initiatives, homelessness prevention aid, and supportive services.
In July 2024, HUD published a RUSH Notice in the Federal Register detailing its approach to allocating these grants. The Notice outlines eligibility criteria and requirements for implementing grant funding. Public comments on this Notice are open until September 16, 2024.
Launched in 2022, the RUSH program has awarded approximately $28 million to disaster-impacted areas thus far.
