For Immediate Release: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
Media Contact: Zach Carlyle | zach.carlyle@iowa.gov | (515) 415-7235
NEWTON, Iowa – Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer visited the Homes for Iowa building site at the Newton Correctional Facility in October, where she toured the home construction production area, met with incarcerated individuals and program participants, as well as joined Iowa Prison Industry staff for a home move into the city of Newton.
During her visit, Lt. Governor Cournoyer had the opportunity to see firsthand how the Homes for Iowa initiative is addressing the state’s challenges — workforce development, affordable housing and reducing recidivism — through innovative partnerships. She met with members of the Homes for Iowa Board of Directors and staff from the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries to discuss ongoing efforts to expand the program’s impact statewide.
“Homes for Iowa represents the best of what public-private partnerships can achieve,” said Lt. Governor Cournoyer. “It’s helping people build new skills, rebuild their lives, and strengthen communities across the state.”
Since its launch in 2019, over 625 incarcerated individuals have participated in the Homes for Iowa job training program initiative, earning more than 165 industry-recognized certifications in construction-related fields. The program provides valuable skills that help participants successfully reenter the workforce upon release while supporting Iowa communities in need of affordable housing while reducing recidivism.
The Homes for Iowa homes have been delivered to 79 urban and rural communities in 51 of Iowa’s 99 counties. This year, Homes for Iowa will celebrate the delivery of its 150th home, marking a major milestone in the program’s continued growth and success.
“Iowa Prison Industries is honored to partner with Homes for Iowa and the Iowa Department of Corrections on this vital housing initiative,” said Bob Fairfax, Deputy Director – Program Administrator for Iowa Prison Industries. “We appreciate Lt. Governor Cournoyer taking the time to visit our program and see firsthand the impact it’s making. By bringing together the skills of our workforce and the mission of providing safe, affordable homes, we’re making a real difference in communities like Newton and building stronger futures for individuals and families across our state.”
For more information about Homes for Iowa and its mission, visit www.homesforiowa.org.
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About Homes for Iowa, Inc.
Homes for Iowa, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, addresses the state’s housing shortage by building high-quality modular homes while providing skilled trades training to incarcerated individuals—helping reduce recidivism and strengthen Iowa’s workforce while providing affordable homes statewide. This innovative public-private partnership with the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries operates out of the Newton Correctional Facility in Newton, IA. Since its first home delivery in 2020, Homes for Iowa has placed more than 120 homes across 51 counties. Homes can purchased directly from Homes for Iowa. Inc. and delivered to any of Iowa’s 99 counties.
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About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.
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