Homes for Iowa, co-founded by Urban and Regional Planning alumnus Mike Norris (Class of 2003), has received the 2025 Single-Family Project of the Year award from the Iowa Finance Authority. The recognition was announced at this year’s HousingIowa Conference. Norris currently serves as executive director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission. 

Founded in 2019, Homes for Iowa is a public-private partnership comprised of a 501c3 nonprofit and public partner with Iowa Prison Industries. The partnership is addressing the state's housing and skilled trade shortages through a scalable model that combines home construction, building trades training, and community revitalization. Norris has served as the president of Homes for Iowa, Inc. since 2021.

The high-quality modular homes are built by individuals at the Newton Correctional Facility and are sold and shipped to qualified buyers across the state, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Men apply to be hired at the training program and receive both classroom education and field training, with the option to earn skill certificates. More than 500 incarcerated men have been hired through the program and received field training and pre-release employment assistance since inception.

This year, Homes for Iowa is on track to deliver its 150th home and will be active in 52 counties and more than 70 cities by the end of 2025. For more information, visit www.homesforia.com.