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Iowa Homes for Heroes celebrates first home for veterans and first responders

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 0:10 GMT by KCCI Des Moines
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Iowa Homes for Heroes: A First Home and a Fresh Start for Those Who Serve

In a heart‑warming story that underscores the power of community support, a young family in Iowa has just closed on their first home through the state’s “Homes for Heroes” program. The program, which partners local lenders, nonprofits, and the Iowa Housing Authority (IHA), offers financial assistance, low‑interest loans, and tailored home‑buying resources to military veterans, first‑responders, and healthcare workers. This week, KCCI’s coverage brings the program’s impact to life through the journey of the Miller family, who have turned a long‑standing dream into a reality.

From Service to Settlement

Mark Miller, a retired Army captain, and his wife, Lisa, along with their two young children, had been renting in a modest apartment for years. “We had our sights set on a bigger place, but the numbers just kept getting in the way,” Mark said. Their search turned more urgent when Lisa’s mother fell ill, prompting the family to seek a more spacious, accessible home closer to her.

Their breakthrough came after Mark’s friend introduced them to the Iowa Homes for Heroes program. The program’s website (https://www.homesforheroes.org/) explains that participants receive up to 20% of the purchase price in down‑payment assistance, subject to credit and income thresholds. In addition, the program offers access to low‑interest, non‑recourse home loans through partner lenders such as First Iowa Credit Union and Umpqua Bank. The combination of reduced upfront costs and favorable mortgage terms made the purchase feasible for the Millers.

The Miller family chose a 3,200‑square‑foot single‑family home in the suburbs of Des Moines. The property, originally listed for $325,000, was purchased for $315,000 after a successful negotiation that included the Homes for Heroes assistance. The home includes an open‑plan living area, a master suite with an ensuite bathroom, and a large backyard—perfect for their two children who love to play outside.

The Process: From Application to Keys

KCCI’s article details the step‑by‑step process the Millers followed, which mirrors the standard Homes for Heroes workflow in Iowa:

1. Eligibility Verification – The Millers first confirmed their status. Mark’s military service and Lisa’s work as a paramedic qualified them under the program’s criteria. Eligibility is verified through the IHA’s portal, which provides an official letter that can be submitted to lenders.

2. Financial Counseling – Before applying for a loan, participants receive free financial counseling from the program’s partner, the Iowa Homeownership Center. The counseling covers budgeting, credit improvement, and the realities of home ownership. Mark recalled that this step was “eye‑opening” because it clarified how the down‑payment assistance was disbursed and what it meant for his long‑term financial health.

3. Loan Application – The Millers applied for a loan with First Iowa Credit Union, a program partner that offers a 30‑year fixed‑rate mortgage at a rate 0.25% below the current market average. Their loan amount, after the Homes for Heroes down‑payment assistance, was $280,000, which meant a lower monthly payment and less debt-to-income burden.

4. Home Inspection and Appraisal – The usual checks were conducted. The program’s guidelines specifically require an appraisal that confirms the home’s value is at least equal to the purchase price, ensuring the loan is protected for both borrower and lender.

5. Closing – At the closing table, the Millers reviewed a comprehensive “HUD‑4” document that details the loan’s terms, the use of the down‑payment assistance, and any applicable tax implications. The program’s support team was present to answer any lingering questions.

6. Post‑Purchase Support – After closing, the program offers a 12‑month “transition” period during which the borrower can access additional financial counseling, emergency assistance, and a “home maintenance” guide. Mark says this “gives you a safety net and the confidence that you’re not alone once the house becomes a home.”

The Human Side of a Program

While the numbers are impressive—average down‑payment assistance of up to 20% and 0.25% lower interest rates—the true measure of Homes for Heroes is how it changes lives. KCCI’s interview with the Millers captures that shift. Lisa, who works in emergency medicine, says, “We’ve always had a dream of owning a home, but the cost made it seem impossible. The program gave us a realistic path.” Mark added that “the pride of owning a place we built is indescribable.”

The article also featured an interview with Sarah Jensen, a housing counselor who has worked with the program for six years. Jensen explained, “We see families like the Millers every year, and they come back with gratitude, not just for the home, but for the community that supported them. It’s not just a financial product; it’s a partnership.”

How to Get Involved

For other veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers in Iowa, the program is accessible through a straightforward online portal. Applicants can verify their eligibility, apply for assistance, and connect with partner lenders all in one place. The Iowa Housing Authority’s website (https://iha.ia.gov/) provides resources, FAQs, and a list of participating lenders.

The article concludes with a call to action: “If you or someone you know qualifies, consider applying.” It also emphasizes that the program’s benefits extend beyond financial assistance; they foster a sense of belonging and community recognition that is invaluable to those who have spent years serving.

Looking Ahead

The success story of the Miller family underscores the potential of targeted support programs. As Iowa continues to expand its partnership network—adding more banks, increasing the maximum assistance amount, and extending services to non‑traditional veterans—the number of families who can transition from renting to owning will grow.

Homes for Heroes is more than a program; it is a testament to how communities can rally behind those who have given so much. By bridging the gap between service and settlement, Iowa is ensuring that its heroes have a place to call home, and that their sacrifices are honored with the dignity and security they deserve.