A new home was recently delivered to Jefferson via an unlikely source.

We’ve previously reported that the Iowa Prison Industries in Newton built four homes as part of a pilot program with Homes for Iowa. One of the one-story homes recently made the trek to Jefferson, where it was offloaded and put onto the basement foundation at 606 North Cedar Street. The 1,200-square-foot, three-bedroom and two bathroom home was made possible through several partnerships, including Region XII Council of Governments.

Region XII Executive Director Rick Hunsaker previously told Raccoon Valley Radio the new housing program originated in South Dakota. As the Iowa program got off the ground and with various partnerships with the Iowa Legislature, the Governor’s office, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Homes for Iowa, the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries, he is pleased with the finished product.

“They (the prisoners) wanted to make it better than they make in South Dakota. The craftsmanship that the guys working on this, they’re so proud of the work that they do. It is the very first home in the state that Iowa Prison Industries built and delivered. In a way it is a bit of a historic home.”

Hunsaker notes the home was built and delivered for $75,000. However, work still needed includes installing stairs into the basement and the detached two-vehicle garage, along with flooring and appliances. Hunsaker  describes what the price they could end up selling the home.

“We think we’re going to be able to get houses for sale between $110,000-$175,000, which is very, very hard to do in rural communities.”

While Hunsaker says the home is anticipated to be done by this summer, he adds, a second home is being built by Iowa Prison Industries for Jefferson. Qualified individuals looking to purchase the home must be at 80-percent poverty level or below and Region XII provides down payment assistance. For more information, contact Region XII.