The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of federal disaster assistance for Iowa following the severe winter storm that occurred on March 19, 2025. This support aims to help communities in recovery efforts, particularly in Crawford, Harrison, Monona, and Woodbury counties.
“HUD serves every American and works alongside communities to help rebuild homes, neighborhoods, and businesses after severe storms,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “To support Iowans during this time of need, HUD is providing financial flexibility and disaster recovery resources to affected communities.”
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed gratitude for the federal response: “I want to thank President Trump and HUD Secretary Scott Turner for their responsiveness to the needs of Iowans impacted by severe weather in March. Federal assistance makes a difference in a homeowner’s ability to fully recover after a disaster, and the financial flexibility and other resources now available through HUD will provide additional relief for eligible residents in Crawford, Harrison, Monona and Woodbury counties.”
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) also commented on the aid: “I applaud the Trump administration for providing much-needed assistance to Iowans impacted by this devastating winter storm. These resources will reduce the financial stress on Iowa families as they repair and rebuild. I’ll keep working with the administration and our congressional delegation to ensure communities across west central and northwest Iowa have the tools they need to recover.”
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04) added: “I appreciate President Trump for delivering critical disaster relief following severe storms in March and thank Secretary Turner for helping keep Iowans in their homes during these tough times. This decision will provide important financial flexibility for Iowa families whose homes sustained damage and unlock resources to help make needed repairs. I once again thank President Trump and Secretary Turner for standing with Iowa and supporting our communities in the aftermath of these storms.”
President Trump issued a major disaster declaration for Iowa on May 23, 2025.
As part of its response, HUD has implemented several measures:
- A 90-day moratorium has been placed on foreclosures of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), as well as those guaranteed under the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program. This applies automatically from the date of the presidential disaster declaration.
- Homeowners are encouraged to contact their mortgage or loan servicer if affected by the disaster. Additional information is available through FHA's Resource Center at 1-800-304-9320 or answers@hud.gov.
- The Section 203(h) program offers FHA insurance to homeowners whose residences were destroyed or damaged so severely that reconstruction or replacement is necessary.
- The Section 203(k) loan program allows individuals to finance both home purchase or refinance along with necessary repairs under one mortgage.
- Information about available housing units from Public Housing Agencies and multi-family owners will be shared with FEMA and state officials.
- Community Planning and Development grantees can apply for administrative flexibility regarding various grant programs such as CDBG, HOPWA, CoC, ESG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and HTF when responding to disasters.
- Public Housing Agencies may request waivers needed for disaster relief; guidance is available via Federal Register Disaster Relief Notices.
- Tribes receiving Indian Housing Block Grants or Indian Community Development Block Grants may also seek waivers or flexibilities after a major disaster declaration.
- HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are ready to assist those affected by natural disasters regardless of whether they have an FHA-insured mortgage; counseling services are provided free of charge.
- The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity remains available to assist anyone experiencing housing discrimination during recovery.
Further details about these programs can be found on HUD’s official website.
