Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund

Housing Assistance

The national award winning Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) was established by the City Council in November of 2000. The OHTF offers several programs to address various housing issues within the City of Oskaloosa. Financial assistance programs of the OHTF include:

1. Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers;
2. Demolition of dilapidated housing structures; and
3. Downtown upper story housing life safety improvements.

The OHTF was a significant partner in the Grant and Lincoln Elementary Schools rehabilitation projects that were accomplished through a cooperative effort with the Oskaloosa Community School District, the City of Oskaloosa, Mahaska County Agency on Aging Senior Center and Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. This collaboration of entities created 30 new low-income elderly housing units, a new senior center, a neighborhood park and six affordable single-family homes.

View pictures of Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund projects

For 20 years the OHTF programs were managed by a committee of primary donors and community members.  The committee dissolved in December 2020 but their programs continue, administered by city staff with annual oversight and funding appropriations by the City Council.  Please visit the links at left for more information on available programs.  Applications may be submitted anytime and will be considered as funding is available.