Central Iowa Housing Authority

Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority, commonly known as CIRHA, operates from Grimes, Iowa and serves residents across six counties: Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, and Story. The organization maintains a 3.7-star average rating from 14 reviews, reflecting a mix of resident experiences with their housing assistance programs. Open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM with a daily lunch closure from noon to 1 PM, CIRHA administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, owned housing options, and family self-sufficiency initiatives. The office is located at 1201 SE Gateway Drive in Grimes, where staff process applications for rental assistance and homeownership programs serving qualifying families throughout the region.

What distinguishes CIRHA from typical housing providers is their comprehensive approach to housing stability. The organization offers both rental assistance through vouchers and pathways to homeownership via their dedicated program. Their Family Self Sufficiency Program helps participants achieve economic independence, while the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Option allows qualified families to transition from renting to owning. However, prospective applicants should note that current funding limitations mean CIRHA is not issuing new vouchers at this time, a constraint transparency that reflects honest communication about program availability.

Reviewers who interacted with CIRHA staff highlight specific experiences that illustrate the organization's service model. Sonya Webb described staff as patient, kind, and willing to answer questions even near closing time. Danette Larson praised landlords affiliated with the program for timely repairs including furnace, central AC, and water heater replacements. Amy noted finding the staff professional and fair, with concerns addressed through fair solutions. However, some reviewers like Traci Vargas mentioned uncertainty around repair timelines, and beach life816 reported difficulties with communication and organization, including receiving correspondence that did not relate to their situation.