The City's Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION) Program Gives a Second Life to a Century-Old Home

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, October 9, 2025 - Des Moines' housing stock is among the oldest in the country. In fact, according to the last U.S. Census, more than half of homes in Des Moines were built before 1960. Des Moines resident Molly's home, which was built in 1906, is no exception, but thanks to the City's ION program, she's now able to enjoy her newly renovated home for years to come.

"This house wouldn't have lasted without the work the City has done," Molly said. "It literally would have fallen in, and now it's like fresh and new, and well-preserved. Maybe one of my grandkids might live here."

The ION program was created in 2022 to help preserve Des Moines' aging housing stock by providing financial assistance for critical exterior repairs. In just three years, ION has assisted more than 400 homeowners across the city, contributing over $9 million in home repairs in collaboration with local nonprofit partners. The program provides up to $40,000 in assistance for exterior improvements, including roofing, siding, windows/doors and work on the property lot that affects the livability of the structure.

Molly submitted an ION application, and her home was selected for the program. Tyler Friesen, Property Improvement Inspector for the City of Des Moines, was assigned to her case, and he began the work with a thorough inspection. The home showed numerous signs of its age with a cracking brick foundation, outdated electrical wiring, and deteriorating plumbing.

"We always do an inspection from top to bottom," Friesen said. "In Molly's case, the foundation was the biggest issue. Years of water damage had caused the old brick walls to cave in, which in turn damaged the plumbing and electrical systems."

The ION team coordinated major repairs, including rebuilding the foundation, replacing the cast iron plumbing stack that was leaking sewer gas into the home, and fully rewiring the house and installing a brand-new electrical box to meet electrical code standards.

The City's partnership with Habitat for Humanity provided even more improvements. Habitat's crew helped move Molly's washer and dryer from the basement to the main floor to make daily tasks easier and safer. They also installed new vinyl windows for energy efficiency and added central air conditioning to make the home more comfortable in the hot summer months.

To qualify for the ION program, homeowners must own and occupy their property, be current on taxes and utilities, and have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

With Des Moines' adoption of the Citywide Housing Strategy on July 14, 2025, part of that strategy is to increase ION's funding. Though the specific budgetary allocation has yet to be voted on by Council, it could allow the program to help even more residents of Des Moines and increase property values across the City.

For Molly, the repairs mean more than just a safe and beautiful house. They represent stability, dignity, and the preservation of her beloved home.

"What a fine thing for the City to do," she said. "They've saved this house-not just for me, but for the whole city."

Homeowners interested in learning more about the ION program can visit DSM.city/ION. The ION application period will open again on January 1, 2026.

Contact
Emily Wankum
Communications Specialist II, City Manager's Office
(515) 283-4028
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live there. Visit DSM.city, Facebook, and X for more information.