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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- It is a program that is significant to the city of Ottumwa, The Iowa First Time Homebuyers Program.

Individuals who have not owned a home for at least three years with the city of Ottumwa or Wapello County may be eligible for assistance.

The program provides housing assistance in the form of down payment assistance as well as housing rehabilitation, meaning improvements to the home.

Last week, the Ottumwa City Council approved an application to request $200,000 in grant funds under the Home Ownership Assistance Program through the state of Iowa.

The plan is to assist at least five homeowners within the city of Ottumwa.

“The key thing is we encourage anyone that thinks they may potentially be interested or could qualify under the program -- we would encourage them to please give us a call at (641) 683-0616 or come to the Planning Department (at Ottumwa City Hall)  and visit with Mr. Ted Ellis. Mr. Ted Ellis is our Housing Rehabilitation Specialist and he could assist with the description of the program,” said Dave Shafer, City Planner for the city of Ottumwa.