Four of the brand new townhomes for rent in the Drake Neighborhood.

Two lots that were once blight on the northeast side of Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood are now symbols of hope for the area’s continued renewal.  Anawim Housing, which provides permanent rental homes for low-income families, today marked the opening of eight new townhomes at 2201 Forest Ave.  Eight more units just to the east are expected to open in November.

Supporters of the project say it helps make progress on two priorities: boosting the number of affordable housing units in Des Moines and sprucing upForest Avenue. Des Moines Mayor Cownie emphasized the extensive collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders for the revitalization of this corridor.

Russ Frazier, president of Anawim Housing, said the project also helps addressthe need for housing stockupgrades outlined in a recent improvement plan for the Drake neighborhood.  He also emphasized the variety of funding required to complete the project including Polk County Housing Trust Fund, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) and HOME-Home Investment Partnerships funds, plus a mortgage.

Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie (l) and Russ Frazier, President of Anawim Housing, cut the ribbon for eight new townhomes.

One of the lots where the new townhomes now stand had been vacant. The other had a rundown, vacant gas station that for years had been a source of frustration for residents in the area.

Learn more about how there could be more homes for low-income families in your community.

Contact your local HUD Community Planning Development staff