The Heights, J’nae Peterman among honorees at HousingIowa Awards

The City of Cedar Rapids, as well as Homeless Systems Manager J'nae Peterman, were honored Wednesday by the Iowa Finance Authority during the annual HousingIowa Awards.

Held as part of the 2024 Housing Iowa Conference in Des Moines, The HousingIowa Awards recognize outstanding programs, projects and professionals for leadership and innovation in advancing housing opportunities for Iowans.

The City of Cedar Rapids was honored in the category of Special Needs Development for the Heights housing project, while Peterman received the Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award.

In late 2021, the City of Cedar Rapids began efforts to transform a dilapidated, vacant office building in Wellington Heights into affordable housing. Known as The Heights, it features no-fee laundry facilities, extra storage, a computer lab, and community spaces for its tenants.
Fifteen of the project's 25 units are reserved for individuals experiencing homelessness; the remaining units are reserved for low to moderate income households. Five of the units are fully ADA accessible.

The Heights is on a key corner of the Wellington Heights neighborhood, and is part of the 2nd Avenue / 15th Street SE local Historic District. The building has been turned over to HACAP to own and operate for the duration of the 15-year affordability period.

During Wednesday's ceremony, HACAP Regional Housing Manager Heather Harney described the impact the program has already had on residents.

"As tenants arrived, each carrying minimal belongings, the impact of this project ... became real," she said. "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 Heights is more than a building-it's a second chance, a lifeline, and a new beginning for those who need it most," Harney added. "And it's moments like these that remind us why we do this work."

J'nae Peterman was also honored with the Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa Award, for her efforts in homelessness and housing services over the past decade.

Peterman served as the Director of Housing Services at Waypoint for 10 years prior to accepting her current role as Homeless Systems Manager, a position jointly funded by the City and County.

Housing Iowa Award nominations are accepted each year and an independent panel of judges determines the statewide award winners.