FAQs

I'm homeless or I need immediate assistance! Why can't I get my HCV assistance now? Why can't I be placed at the top of the list?

The HCV program is not an emergency housing program. The Iowa City Housing Authority will select families based on the following preferences:

1. Displaced: Individuals or families displaced by government action or whose dwelling has been extensively damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster declared or otherwise formally recognized pursuant to federal disaster relief laws. This preference is only for disaster victims in the State of Iowa;
2. Families with children under the age of 18 or elderly or disabled families who are residents (have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction 24 CFR 982.207(b)(1):
3. Adult families (2 or more household members) with no children under 18 years of age who are residents (have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
4. Elderly, or disabled families who are not residents (do not have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
5. Families with children under the age of 18 or who are not residents (do not have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
6. Adult families (2 or more household members) with no children under 18 years of age who are not residents (do not have a legal domicile) in the Iowa City Housing Authority jurisdiction;
7. Single, non-elderly, non-disabled families with no children under 18 years of age regardless of residency.

Preference Category Definitions

• Disabled household: A household whose head, spouse, or sole member is a person with disabilities; or two or more persons with disabilities living together; or one or more persons with disabilities living with one or more live-in aides.
• Elderly household: A household whose head, spouse, or sole member is a person who is at least 62 years of age; or two or more persons who are at least 62 years of age living together; or one or more persons who are at least 62 years of age living with one or more live-in aides.
• Domicile: The legal residence of the household head or spouse as determined in accordance with state and local law.

What happens if I move before I reach the top of the list?

We contact people by mail when they are at the top of the waiting list. Periodically, we may also contact people by mail to update information on our waiting list. It is very important that we have a current mailing address for you at all times. Your mailing address must be updated in writing.

Electronic Requests

We do not accept e-mails for address changes. Electronic changes of address/information must be submitted through our AssistanceConnect system. Contact the Housing Authority at icha@iowa-city.org to request instructions for setting up your account.

Written Requests

Written requests may be sent to:

Iowa City Housing Authority
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240

If we receive returned mail, your application will be removed from our waiting lists. We recommend that you keep all receipts and correspondence from the Housing Authority as a record of your contacts with us.