The Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund has awarded Jasper County a $10,000 grant for low income housing assistance. Jasper County General Assistance Director Connie McQuiston obtained the grant money, which requires a $2,780 local match.

“With this grant we are able to supply first month’s rent and deposits for individuals, which is something not ordinarily funded through our regular general assistance program. So that opens up a little more assistance to individuals who are struggling to get into a place, hopefully preventing homelessness.”

McQuiston says residents at or below 80% of the area median income are eligible to apply for assistance, but 90% of the grant money must go to individuals or families at 20% of the area median income. McQuiston says that 20% figure equates to $18,200 for a single person, or $31,200 for a family of four. For more information contact the Jasper County General Assistance Office at (641) 791-2609, or by stopping into their office in the County Administration Building at 315 West Third Street North in Newton. Hear more from Jasper County General Assistance Director Connie McQuiston on today’s Let’s Talk Newton.