Johnson County to Open Veterans-Only Housing Complex

Newly renovated 15-unit apartment building will provide HUD-assisted housing for unhoused veterans in Iowa City.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has purchased a 15-unit apartment complex on Hollywood Boulevard in Iowa City that will soon be converted into the first HUD-assisted veterans-only housing in the state. The Iowa City Housing Authority says the new complex will provide stable housing and support services to help unhoused veterans focus on recovery, mental health, employment, and education.

Why it matters

Homelessness among veterans remains a persistent issue, with over 30 veterans currently waiting for housing in Iowa City alone. This new veterans-only complex aims to address this need and provide a supportive environment for unhoused vets to get back on their feet.

The details

The 15 newly renovated and fully-furnished apartments on Hollywood Boulevard are just about ready to accept tenants. The Supervisors still need to vote to officially give the property to the Iowa City Housing Authority before veterans can move in. The housing authority's executive director says veterans are often the hardest hit when it comes to finding stable housing.

  • The Johnson County Board of Supervisors purchased the apartment complex in 2024.
  • The 15-unit building is now newly renovated and ready for occupancy.

The players

Johnson County Board of Supervisors

The county government body that purchased the apartment complex to convert it into veterans-only housing.

Iowa City Housing Authority

The organization that will manage the new veterans-only housing complex once it is transferred from the county.

Rachel Carter

The executive director of the Iowa City Housing Authority.

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What they’re saying

“Veterans are the ones who aren't able to find housing the most, with over 30 Iowa City veterans waiting for housing to open up.”

— Rachel Carter, Executive Director, Iowa City Housing Authority (KCRG TV)

What’s next

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors still needs to officially vote to transfer the property to the Iowa City Housing Authority before veterans can begin moving into the new complex.

The takeaway

This new veterans-only housing complex represents an important step in addressing homelessness among former service members in the Iowa City area, providing stable housing and support services to help get these vulnerable individuals back on their feet.