HACAP Housing Manager, Heather Harney, Speaks at 2024 Iowa Housing Conference

DES MOINES, IOWA – HACAP's Regional Housing Manager, Heather Harney, recently spoke to a crowd of attendees at this years' 2024 Housing Iowa Conference on September 4th at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Harney took the time to highlight HACAP's newest affordable housing project, 'The Heights'.

Here are Heather's full remarks from the conference:

Today, I stand before you to share a story that goes beyond bricks and mortar—a story of lives changed and hope restored, centered around a project we are incredibly proud of in Cedar Rapids: The Heights.

I could share the statistics: how, in late 2021, the City of Cedar Rapids transformed a blighted, vacant office building in the historic district into 25 units of affordable housing. I could tell you about the City’s commitment to a Housing First model, in collaboration with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, creating homes for those facing the greatest barriers—people with disabilities, those on fixed incomes, and individuals who have experienced homelessness for far too long.

I could describe the thoughtfully designed amenities that make The Heights a true home: no-fee laundry facilities, extra storage, a computer lab, and community spaces that offer dignity and convenience. I could also highlight how the project leveraged federal grants and local support, ensuring long-term affordability through HACAP’s stewardship.

But today, I want to tell you about the past month—about the staff who have worked tirelessly on this innovative project. Every Thursday for the last month has been move-in day at The Heights. These are the days when our team and community partners come together to help new tenants settle into what, for many, is their first home in years. These are the days that remind us why our work is so vital and rewarding, even when it’s challenging.

As tenants arrived, many carrying minimal belongings or nothing at all, the impact of this project became real. This wasn’t just about finding an apartment; it was about reclaiming lives, stepping out of the darkest chapters of their past and into new opportunities to flourish.

The first tenant to arrive was a man in his 50s, who had been homeless in our community for nearly two years. With tears in his eyes, he said, “Man, I have a future now—you don’t know what that means. Every day I was just trying to make it through. Wake up thinking ‘how do I survive until I go to sleep?’ Go to sleep thinking ‘how do I survive until I wake up?’ I got so used to it I forgot I could think about tomorrow, about the good things... until now.”

Next came a woman, also in her 50s, who had been homeless for over three years. As she crossed the threshold of her new home, she said, “I’m human again. I walk the same sidewalks, but now, I get to sleep inside. It’s like the world finally sees me… like I deserve to be seen. I’m the same person, but now I get treated like I matter.”

Then, another tenant, likely in her 60s, who had fled an unsafe home, arrived. With a sense of relief that only comes from finding sanctuary, she said, “Girl, do you know what it feels like to be safe? This is safe. And it’s everything. You all don’t just talk about helping—you’re here, making it real.”

These are not just stories; they are powerful testimonies of resilience and the transformative power of having a place to call home. The Heights is more than a building—it’s a second chance, a lifeline, and a new beginning for those who need it most. And it’s moments like these that remind us why we do this work.

Thank you for the opportunity to share these stories of the impact The Heights is having on our community.

This year's Housing Iowa Conference went from September 4-6th and is Iowa’s premier housing event, drawing nearly 1,000 housing professionals and illuminating how Housing is the Start for economic opportunity and thriving Iowa families, communities and businesses. You are invited to join us for discussions around timely topics around housing in Iowa and networking with Iowa housing leaders.