Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 25, 2021
Gov. Reynolds Announces Eligibility Pre-Check for new Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program
DES MOINES – Governor Kim Reynolds today announced the availability of an eligibility precheck for the new Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program, which will begin accepting full applications in March. The program will provide eligible COVID-19 impacted Iowans with rent and utility assistance for a total of up to 12 months. The State of Iowa was awarded $195 million for the program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which was passed by Congress in late 2020.
“At no fault of their own, many Iowans are struggling to pay their rent and utility bills as a result of lost income from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Last year, we were able to use $30 million in coronavirus relief funds to keep 14,000 Iowans in their homes. The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program will help us do even more, providing substantial assistance to struggling Iowans who are facing eviction.”
Renters in need of assistance are encouraged to take the new eligibility precheck to determine if they meet the initial eligibility criteria, and if eligible, to sign-up to receive notification when the full application is available in March.
The Iowa Finance Authority will administer the program, which will initially be available for renters statewide, with the exception of Polk County. Polk County and the City of Des Moines received direct allocations totaling approximately $14 million and will be administering the program locally. More information on the program that will serve Polk County, including City of Des Moines, residents is available at impactcap.org.
General eligibility requirements require that applicants: Be current renters earning no more than 80% of their county’s area median income; have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice.
Assistance to be available through the program includes:
- Rent assistance for past due and future payments.
- Utility Payments owed at time of application (no future payments)
Eligible past due rent and utility payments may cover costs incurred no earlier than March 13, 2020. Future rent payments may be awarded for up to three months at a time and will require a subsequent application. Renters may receive a total of up to 12 months of combined rent and utility assistance through the program.
Funds for renters approved for assistance will be paid directly to landlords and utility service providers. The program is expected to be available through at least Sept. 30, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. Full program details and the eligibility precheck are available at iowahousingrecovery.com. Polk County and City of Des Moines residents should visit impactcap.org for more information.
Water Rate Increase
NEW WATER RATES
Effective April 1, 2021, the water rates will increase.
The District will be increasing the per 1,000 gallon rate after our standard minimum. Please see our “Rates” section for updated rate charts.
This cost increase is needed to off-set the 15% increase the District will spend in purchasing water wholesale from Des Moines Water Works.
The new rate will be payable beginning with your May 2021 water bill (April water). If you have any questions please contact our office at 515-962-1200, toll free 1-866-962-1200, or email us at wwd@warrenwaterdistrict.com.
Bevington and Per Sewer Customers
Effective your February 1st 2021 billing, the rates for the sewer will increase. Please see the “rate” section on this site for the new rates.
The sewer systems are in great working order and no major expenses are foreseen. Warren Water is continually striving to keep costs down with routine maintenance. The best way you can help to keep costs low is to only discharge acceptable materials in the sewer system.
Warren Water District
2021 Board Meeting Schedule
Warren Water District
Board Meeting Schedule 2021
Regular Board Meeting date is the 3rd Monday of every month
(no meeting in August and December)
Monday, January 18 6:00pm
Monday, February 8 6:00pm
Monday, March 15 6:00pm
Monday, April 19 7:00pm
Monday, May 17 7:00pm Annual Meeting
Monday, June 21 7:00pm
Monday, July 19 7:00pm
No meeting in August
Monday, September 20 7:00pm
Monday, October 18 7:00pm
Monday, November 15 6:00pm
No meeting in December – Holiday party is scheduled sometime this month
Spring and Winter meetings are normally scheduled at 6:00pm
“Limited Contact”
In response to COVID-19 the Warren Water District Board of Directors has decided to temporarily close the office to walk-in customers effective Tuesday, March 17th until further notice.
We strongly encourage our customers to use our website or automated phone service (1-888-329-8389) to make their monthly payment.
Attached is the Des Moines Water Works Contagious Disease Response Plan that the District is also following.
During business hours office staff can be reached by calling 515-962-1200 or toll free 1-866-962-1200 or by emailing wwd@warrenwaterdistrict.com.
