Iowa

Iowa and Polk County saw record-high evictions last year — and the numbers keep climbing

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2023

Iowa and Polk County saw record-high evictions last year — and the numbers keep climbing

A lack of affordable housing and stagnant incomes are helping push Iowa’s eviction filings to unprecedented heights, according to data compiled by Iowa Legal Aid, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to low-income people.

After filings dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic because of rental assistance programs and an eviction moratorium, Iowa and Polk County both saw record numbers last year, said Nick Smithberg, the legal aid’s executive director.

In Polk County, eviction filings have steadily increased from about 4,400 in 2012 to roughly 6,400 in 2022.

That same year, evictions statewide increased nearly 75% from around 10,500 in 2012 to 18,300.

Numbers are expected to climb again this year, Smithberg said. The state has so far seen 9,784 eviction filings — 3,883 of which were in Polk County — but Smithberg said “leftover” American Rescue Plan Act funds might have “a little bit” of an impact, with the county potentially launching another round of rental assistance for residents in need.

“This isn’t somebody else’s problem that’s somewhere else. This is where we live. This is the people who live in our communities,” he said. “… This is a reality affecting hundreds of thousands of people, and wherever you are, it’s right there.”

In recent years, cities across the United States have seen dramatic rent increases. As a result, eviction filing rates are surging, particularly in the South and Southwest, according to data collected by the Eviction Lab, an eviction tracking system run by Princeton University.

More: More people are homeless in Polk County than last year, new count shows

Living costs are up, but minimum wage is still the same

Angie Arthur, executive director of Homeward, said she’s concerned but not surprised about the increase in landlords filing eviction cases over the years. Neither is Smithberg.

The cause, they said, is the state’s minimum wage and increasing shortage of affordable housing units.

Iowa’s minimum wage is still at $7.25, while the cost of living has soared. Common Good Iowa, a nonprofit that focuses on public policy and research, reported last year that two parents with two children should each earn more than $16 an hour to meet their basic needs. A single parent with one child should make at least $21 an hour.

Fair market rent, used to calculate vouchers for housing assistance, for a one-bedroom apartment in Polk County is now $889, a jump from last year’s $770, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The majority of eviction cases that the legal aid office sees involve renters falling behind on lease payments, Smithberg said.

“There’s a huge portion of the population that can’t really afford any of their basic needs,” Smithberg said. “When you’re in that position, you’re not going to be able to hold onto housing. It’s inherently unstable to be so close to the margin. There’s no room for error.

“If somebody gets sick or you have to fix the car, next thing you know you’re looking at an eviction.”

More: New basic income program gives central Iowans $500 a month — no strings attached

Polk County — like the state — also needs more than 11,000 affordable housing units, the National Low Income Coalition reported. Arthur noted the larger impact on housing services, as more and more people face instability.

“It puts stress on our other systems. For example, within our communities, we are seeing the highest waitlist in quite a long time right now for our family shelters,” she explained. “That is a challenge.”

Single moms, tenants with children likely to be evicted

Data from Iowa Legal Aid also showed eviction cases disproportionately impacting disabled people, people of color and women in Polk County despite making up only a portion of the state’s general population.

Women made up a majority of the eviction cases — 68% — in Polk County, though they comprise 50% of the county’s general population, the legal aid’s report revealed. Cases involving people of color were at 47%, though they make up only 25% of the county’s population.

The legal aid also saw 33% of eviction cases involving disabled people, who make up 8% of the county’s population.

Smithberg said single mothers are likely to face higher rates of eviction, adding that “the presence of children in the house” is the “greatest predictor” of an eviction.

“Women earn less. Women have primary child care responsibility, which means that it makes it harder for them to hold down employment,” he said. “Kids get sick. (They) miss work. There’s a whole host of issues.”

More: If you’re an Iowan facing eviction, here are some ways to seek help

Landlords say they face more “scrutiny” from state departments when tenants with children live in their units, according to a 2014 study by the MacArthur Foundation on eviction rates among poor Black women in Wisconsin.

“Children might test positive for lead poisoning, for example, and the Environmental Protection Agency will step in,” the report stated. “Child protective services may be alerted if the home is unsafe or unsanitary. More children are also hard on apartments.”

F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa. USA Today contributed to this report.

What to do if you are facing an eviction

There are resources for Iowans facing an eviction. Reach out to Iowa Legal Aid at 800-532-1275 or other organizations like:

Iowans also should know that if they receive an eviction notice, they don’t have to leave their home right away, experts say. Only a judge can order a notice to vacate.

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Iowa

Iowa women’s basketball: Associated Press poll released; see if Hawkeyes made the cut

Published

7 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Press Room

Iowa women’s basketball: Associated Press poll released; see if Hawkeyes made the cut

Hawk Central report
| Des Moines Register

The Iowa women’s basketball team has some work to do to convince Associated Press poll voters that the Hawkeyes are a Top 25 team.

The AP released its preseason poll on Tuesday, and the Hawkeyes fell just short of making the Top 25. Coach Jan Jensen’s team received the most votes of teams that did not make the cut.

Jensen is embarking on her first season as head coach after a long stint as Lisa Bluder’s assistant. Bluder announced her retirement in May, not long after the Hawkeyes advanced to the NCAA championship game for the second consecutive year.

With superstar Caitlin Clark now playing in the WNBA, it seems many women’s basketball observers believe Iowa will take a step back in 2024-25. Jensen’s team will try to prove them wrong.

Associated Press women’s basketball preseason top 25

1, South Carolina; 2. UConn; 3. USC; 4. Texas; 5. UCLA; 6. Notre Dame; 7. LSU; 8. Iowa State; 9. North Carolina State; 10. Oklahoma; 11. Duke; 12. Baylor; 13. Kansas State; 14. Ohio State; 15. North Carolina; 16. West Virginia; 17. Louisville; 18. Maryland; 19. Florida State; 20. Ole Miss; 21. Creighton; 22. Kentucky; 23. Nebraska; 24. Alabama; 25. Indiana

Others receiving votes: Iowa 37, TCU 30, Utah 24, Illinois 23, Stanford 17, Michigan St. 16, Gonzaga 16, Vanderbilt 12, South Dakota St. 7, Miami 4, Tennessee 3, Fairfield 3, Middle Tennessee 3, Georgia Tech 2, Syracuse 1, Princeton 1.

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Iowa

Iowa High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Oct. 14

Published

15 hours ago

October 15, 2024

Press Room

Iowa High School Football Rankings: Top 25 Teams – Oct. 14

The top teams in Iowa high school football have solidified their positions after another round of games in October. However, while there’s not much movement in the Iowa On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Oct. 14, one team cracked the list.

Meanwhile, only seven of the 25 ranked teams remain undefeated as the season approaches its home stretch. These teams might be far from the top 100 in the nation, but the competition is shaping up for an exciting finish.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory.

CLICK HERE to watch your high school’s games on NFHS Network now!

The Tigers from West Des Moines earned their first shutout victory of the 2024 Iowa high school football season. In addition to blanking the Waterloo West Wahawks, Valley tied their season-high of 49 points. The Tigers were so dominant that Kellen Hove, Drake DeGroote, and Beau Lombardi registered touchdown passes.

After seven games, Valley has the state’s top-ranked offense and fifth on defense. While they look unstoppable as of late, the Tigers will face a formidable challenge in tenth-ranked Ankeny in their next game.

After completing a 49-28 masterclass over Urbandale, the Maroons are on a four-game winning streak. While the J-Hawks made the final margin more respectable, it should be noted that Dowling Catholic was already up 35-7 at halftime.

However, while the Maroons’ defense is ranked fourth within the state, surrendering 63 points in their last two games is quite a concern. Giving that many points might lead to an unfavorable outcome in their next match against fourth-ranked Southeast Polk.

The Dragons have not let up in their last four games. In addition to outscoring their opponents 135-21, they’ve shut out fourth-ranked Southeast Polk (34-0) and scored a season-high 56 points against the Lincoln Lynx. Johnston had a defensive touchdown versus Lincoln, courtesy of Bryan Beachem’s 30-yard interception return.

Johnson has defied the odds in their recent games. They’ve won against Ankeny, Waukee, and Southeast Polk, even if Massey Ratings predicted against them. After surviving that gauntlet, the Dragons should have an easier time against Urbandale and Sioux City East in their next two games.

After a shocking shutout loss to Johnston, the Rams bounced back by surviving 12^th-ranked Waukee’s challenge. That victory brings their record above .500 and should give them momentum as they finish their season.

Despite losing three games, Southeast Polk has the top-ranked defense in Iowa high school football. The Rams need that unit to be excellent when they face second-ranked Dowling Catholic in their next match.

The Bulldogs have improved to 7-0 after a shutout victory over Davenport Central. It’s the first time Bettendorf blanked an opponent this season and the third time they’ve limited an opponent to less than ten points.

Bettendorf has a shot at winning all its regular-season matches. However, Prairie or Iowa City might pull off a shocker that can hand the Bulldogs their first loss this year. They are not a lock to win both games, as Massey Ratings gave them win probabilities of 66 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

The Spartans are living up to their school’s name. They have pleasantly established a six-game winning streak. They could have been undefeated if they hadn’t come up short by a point against Bettendorf.

However, they have the second-best offense in Iowa high school football, averaging 40.28 points per game. That offensive power will be helpful against Iowa City West and Linn-Mar in their next two games.

After dropping back-to-back games against Southeast Polk and Dowling Catholic, the Jaguars returned to their winning ways in a 45-3 demolition of Roosevelt. It’s the lowest output they’ve given to an opponent this season.

Ankeny Centennial can complete a solid finish to their season, granted they maintain the performance level displayed against the Roughriders. It’s easier said than done, though, because they will battle with 18^th-ranked Waukee Northwest for a shot at a 6-2 record.

The Titans maintained their undefeated record after edging the Winterset 28-24. Brady Hetzel led the way on offense by completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Leo Tatum and Parker Stessman combined for 12 receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns.

The 28 points against Winterset is their second-lowest total throughout the 2024 Iowa high school football season. However, they should have no problems putting up the points at home against Norwalk in their next game.

The Lightning have found a way to win their last four games. They’ve won against Cedar Falls, Prairie, Cedar Rapids, and Ankeny by one possession. The Liberty defense showed up when it mattered most against the Hawks, with Sutton Koller leading with ten tackles.

Owen Drapeaux had five tackles and a fumble recovery, while Logan Laubenthal had an interception. While the Lightning will go on the road for the next two games, they should have no problems defeating Waterloo West and Jefferson.

The Hawks remain in the top ten despite their season going topsy-turvy. They suffered their fourth loss in seven games against Liberty, ending their two-game winning streak. Despite losing to the Lightning, Ankeny is still the state’s second-best defensive team.

Unfortunately, the Hawks’ schedule doesn’t get easier. They have a game against top-ranked Valley this week and Cedar Rapids Washington next week.

11. North Polk
12. Waukee
13. West Lyon
14. Linn-Mar
15. Pella
16. Decorah
17. Cedar Falls
18. Waukee Northwest
19. ADM
20. Wahlert Catholic
21. Iowa City High
22. Williamsburg
23. Grundy Center
24. Xavier
25. Humboldt

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Iowa

Obituary for John D, Tracey at Farley

Published

23 hours ago

October 14, 2024

Press Room

John D, Tracey, 89, of Riverbend Retirement Community and formerly of Epworth, Iowa, passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa surrounded by his family. Friends and relatives of John may call from 10 to noon, Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at St. Josephs

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