The ECIA was awarded a Single Family New Production grant for their Workforce Housing Program (WHP) in the amount of $2,447,727 from the Iowa Department of Economic Development to assist with down payment costs for moderate income qualifying households to construct 54 single family houses, condominiums, and town homes in several locations in the city of Dubuque.

Prior to submitting the application, ECIA had to identify all lots for the WHP as well as floor plans and estimated home costs. Sites are located at Callahan Westbrook Subdivision, Ellis Liberty and Eagle Valley Subdivisions and Platinum West Side Village in the city of Dubuque. The maximum selling price of newly constructed homes will be $180,000 with at least half of the homes being sold for $150.000 or less.

All applicants that purchase a home with the assistance of the New Production 3 Program will be assisted with Housing Counseling services through the EIRHA Housing Counseling Program.

Topics to be covered include
• Housing needs versus wants and desires
• Credit Scores
• Affordability
• Personal finance and budgeting
• Housing Terms - Mortgage Types
• Home loans and mortgage documents: closing processes, documents and forms, property insurance, taxes, escrow accounts,
  
  loan options, and interest rates
• Home inspections
• Sustainable practices, including landscaping and reduction of energy usage
• Routine maintenance needs and energy efficieny practices
• Warranty information
• Homeownership Budget/ Budgeting for future replacement and repair expenses
• Process and methods for obtaining future repairs, including selection of contractors, solicit bid proposals and references