All posts by Crystal Mzhickteno
Water Main Break Near 1548 Meskwaki Road
2021 PTEC Cohort to Begin April 26, 2021, 5 Openings Available
2021 PTEC – Promoting Tribal Economies and Community
COHORT BEGINS: April 26, 2021 – 5 openings available
PTEC is a workforce program from Meskwaki Community members interested in enhancing their workplace skills and learning about food, farming and related business.
Who is eligible?
- Meskwaki Tribal Community members and other Native Americans within the community are invited.
Important details to know:
- Accepting applications for five (5) openings
- Longer season, through November
- 3 positions at Red Earth Gardens (REG)
- 2 positions at Food Sovereignty
- 20 hours of classroom training
- On-the-job training for duration
- Transportation available
- Certification upon successful completion of program
Application/intake forms are available at the Tribal Center Front Desk and HR Office.
Completed applications can be returned to the Workforce Development Office located at: 3134 H Ave, Tama IA 52339.
In an effort to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 within our valued tribal community, interested persons are highly encouraged to get vaccinated. PTEC and the Workforce Development office will continue to follow all protocols such as requiring masks at all times, checking temperatures when visiting tribal offices, socially distancing and frequent hand washing.
If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Snow, Workforce Education Coordinate at (641) 481-1855.
Tribal Council Meeting Rescheduled to 04/13/21
The Tribal Council meeting that was to be held on 04/07/2021 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021.
Prescribed Fire Notice: April 6-9
Meskwaki Natural Resources will be collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to conduct prescribed burns around the settlement. These burns will be conducted between the days of April 6-9.
*MNR will work to notify you when we will be burning in your area.
**Prior to these days, MNR staff may be out creating firebreaks
On these days (April 6-9), MNR recommends the following:
- Windows are closed to prevent smoke from entering your homes.
- The area around your home is clean of debris that could be hazardous to firefighters and the community.
- Assist firefighters by keeping your distance, avoid blocking roads, etc.
Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program
The Meskwaki Health Clinic Benefit Coordinators, Gloria Fonseca and Tamela Davenport, can assist you applying for the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program. Call the Clinic at (641) 484-4094 and ask for Gloria or Tamela.
The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program may provide eligible renters with help and utility bills.
Rent Payments: Past due payments and future payments up to three months of assistance at a time.
Utility Payments: Past due payments: electricity, gas, propane or fuel oil, water, sewer and/or trash removal. Future Payments: not available.
Up to 12 months of combined assistance: Eligible renters may apply for rent assistance only, utility assistance only or both.
Note: All past due payments are for costs incurred no earlier than March 13, 2020.
Eligible Households
- Renter households with incomes of no more than 80% of Area Median Income.
- One or more individuals in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits.
OR has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak.
- The household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice.
Ineligible Households
- Renter households that have incomes above 80% of Area Median Income.
- Renter households in which no household members qualify for unemployment benefits at time of application or the household has not experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak.
- Households which cannot provide all required documentation.
- Renter households with sublet or sublease arrangements.
- Homeowner households.
RFP Strategic Planning Services for Meskwaki Executive Management
Assistance for COVID Impacted Renters, Homeowners
Assistance Programs for Renters and Homeowners
Application Period Opens March 29
Iowa COVID-19 impacted renters and homeowners will be able to apply for assistance with rent and mortgage payments through two assistance programs beginning Monday, March 29 at 2:00 p.m. Program details can be found at IowaHousingRecovery.com.
Assistance for Renters
The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program will provide eligible COVID-19 impacted renters with rent and/or utility assistance for a total of up to 12 months.
General eligibility requirements require that applicants:
- Be current renters earning no more than 80% of their county’s area median income
- One or more individuals in the household must have either qualified for unemployment benefits or have experienced a documented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice.
Full program details and an eligibility precheck are available under Assistance for Renters at IowaHousingRecovery.com. Renters in need of assistance are encouraged to take the eligibility precheck to see if they meet initial eligibility criteria.
Polk County and the City of Des Moines is administering the program locally. Therefore, Iowans residing in either Polk County or the City of Des Moines will be ineligible to apply for the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program. More information on the program that may assist Polk County and City of Des Moines residents is available here.
Assistance for Homeowners
The Iowa Homeowner Eviction Prevention Program will be reopened to provide eligible COVID-19 impacted homeowners at imminent risk of eviction with mortgage assistance for up to four months, with a maximum assistance per household of $3,600.
The short-term program will be available until funds are exhausted or a new federal program is launched. Program funding is provided through federal CARES Act funds. Program eligibility details are available under Assistance for Homeowners at IowaHousingRecovery.com