HBI Community: Linn County

Home Base Iowa cities provide additional resources and discounts for veterans who relocate to these communities. The incentives stand alone or complement those offered by the county and state. All the cities listed have passed a city council resolution supporting the program, provide an incentive/welcome package, ensure 10 percent of eligible businesses are involved with Home Base Iowa and have the option to purchase Home Base Iowa signage.

Click on the other tabs to view veteran resources, higher educational institutions and all county and statewide incentives.

Home Base Iowa Statewide Veteran Incentives
The Home Base Iowa Act positions Iowa as a leader in respect, support and employment of veterans through a public-private partnership. The Iowa Legislature passed the Act in a broad bi-partisan manner and then Governor Terry E. Branstad signed it into law on Memorial Day, 2014. The Act contains the following incentives:

• Military Pensions exempt from state income tax
• $5,000 grant toward the purchase of a home
• Permissive veteran preference in employment
• Automatic in-state tuition at state universities and community colleges for qualified veterans and their dependents
• View the complete list state veteran benefits
• 100% disabled veterans can qualify to pay no property tax

Please contact the County Veterans Office or the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs for more information.

About Home Base Iowa Cities

Home Base Iowa cities provide additional resources and discounts for veterans who relocate to these communities. The incentives stand alone or complement those offered by the county and state. All the cities listed have passed a city council resolution supporting the program, provide an incentive/welcome package, ensure 10 percent of eligible businesses are involved with Home Base Iowa and have the option to purchase Home Base Iowa signage.

Click on the other tabs to view veteran resources, higher educational institutions and all county and statewide incentives.

Hiawatha

Home Base Iowa (HBI) communities offer valuable incentives for veterans who relocate to their community. Please contact the community point of contact or county veteran director for more information.

In Hiawatha, incentives include:

• Parks and Recreation Department - 50% discount on programs.
• Water Department - Deposit fees waived.
• Community Development Department - 10% discount for residential permit work on veteran’s property.
• Public Library - Free printing.

Home Base Iowa Community Established:  May 2019

Marion

Home Base Iowa (HBI) communities offer valuable incentives for veterans who relocate to their community. Please contact the community point of contact or county veteran director for more information.

In Marion, incentives include:

• Water hookup fee is waived for new residents courtesy of the Marion Water Department.
• Membership application fee waived and two months of a free family membership to the Marion YMCA.
• Free recycle bin courtesy of the Marion Public Service Department.
• Voucher towards any recreational programs or services courtesy of the Marion Parks & Rec Department.
• Preferred rate for a night's stay at the Best Western Longbranch when visiting for a job interview.

Home Base Iowa Community Established:  November 2014

Cedar Rapids

• Cedar Rapids Transit - 50% discount on fares for disabled veterans
• Parks and Recreation Department
  • Through Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) Foundation, Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation offers free rounds of golf to injured or nonation offers free rounds of golf to injured or non--injured veterans (and a partner).
    • Must complete GIVE program at Riverside and receive their membership card
    • Play - Twin Pines, Jones and Gardner (1 time/week/course) –– make tee time in advancemake tee time in advance
    • Must ride - pay cart fee $16/player (18holes) or $10/player (9holes)
    • Play time: Mon - Fri before 3 p.m.
• City Manager’s Office Economic Development Services
  • ECICOG administers MIRCO Loan program offering short term financing to veterans seeking to start a small business in Cedar Rapids.
• Cedar Rapids Fire and Police Department
  • Extra points awarded for veterans applying through the civil service process for police officer and firefighter positions.

Home Base Iowa Community Established: November 2019

County Veteran Offices

These should be veterans first point of contact and every county has a Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and a County Veterans Director. These offices assist veterans with compensation/pensions, medical care, military records, grave markers and veteran home loans. Some counties also have dedicated funds to assist with temporary shelter/utilities, food/health supplies, medical/dental, job placement, counseling and transportation. Visit the County Veterans Office page and click on the county of residence.  

IowaWORKS Centers

IowaWORKS Centers are committed to providing quality employment services to all military service members and their spouses. All veterans and their spouse may be eligible for priority service.  Please let a team member know upon check-in of your veteran status. IowaWORKS Centers provide a full range of job/career assistance. Individual services include:

• Career counseling and job search skills development
• Help locating employment and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities
• Academic skill testing and hands-on computer classes
• Creating resumes/cover letters and interview preparation

Iowa National Guard Services

The Warrior & Family Services Branch is a Joint Force initiative that provides assistance to all military families, regardless of branch or component, who find themselves beyond the support capability of active duty military facilities or their home units. The Warrior & Family Services Branch acts as a network that allows families to mutually support one another. By providing families with information, resources and support, the program strengthens both the unit and service members. To learn more about these services, visit the Warrior & Family Services page to learn more.

Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

The Iowa ESGR team is comprised of approximately 106 dedicated volunteers and three full-time staff members prepared to engage, inform and support employers and reserve component members throughout the state. Iowa has a proud history of outstanding employer support for reserve component members. Today’s team continues this tradition through a strong emphasis on “prevention through education.” To learn more visit the Iowa ESGR.

Non-Profit Statewide Veteran Support Organizations

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veteran organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization which has reached nearly three million members, men and women at almost 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.  The American Legion Department of Iowa is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.  The Department Service Office is located in the Federal Building in Des Moines, with an additional office located in the VA Medical Center in Iowa City. Visit the Iowa Legion or email: info@ialegion.org.

An Introduction to CHAMPs

Iowa's Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs) offer higher education incentives to qualified veterans, their spouses and dependents. Benefits include in-state tuition rates, on-campus support, credit for military courses and special financial considerations.

Kirkwood Community College

Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College identifies community needs; provides accessible, quality education and training; and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning. Kirkwood Community College is dedicated to helping veterans seek and achieve higher education.

• For more information:
  • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Ramona Taylor / 319-398-4962 / ramona.taylor@kirkwood.edu
  • Website: Kirkwood Community College Veterans Page

Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University is a four-year liberal arts University in Cedar Rapids. Mount Mercy is a Catholic University providing student-focused baccalaureate and graduate education in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy. As a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Mercy welcomes women and men of all beliefs to join them in their pursuit of baccalaureate and graduate education and service.

• For more information:
  • Contact: 319.363.8213 / webmaster@mtmercy.edu
  • Website: Mount Mercy University Veterans Page

Purdue University Global

Purdue Global is a world-class university within a world-class public university system. When it comes to balancing a career, family, and school, we know that flexibility is key. That's why we put you in control of your education, offering innovative learning options that let you choose what, how, and where you learn. As a CHAMPS institution here in Iowa, our advisors work closely with you to understand your personal learning needs. They also evaluate your academic, professional, or military experiences to give you credit for what you already know. 

Campus locations in Mason City, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Davenport and Des Moines. 

• For more information:
  • Contact: 866-210-5233 / Militaryfinance@purdueglobal.edu
  • Website: Purdue Global University Veteran Webpage

Upper Iowa University

Since 1857, Upper Iowa University has been preparing students to succeed—in the classroom and in the world. That rich history, coupled with a student-centered mission, has created a springboard for UIU to become a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced study.

From our Fayette Campus to our undergraduate and graduate online programs, to our 25 U.S. Centers, including Centers in Cedar Rapids,  Des Moines, the Quad Cities, and Waterloo.  UIU has the people in place to help you succeed.

• For more information:
  • HBI CHAMPS Contact: Dawn Novak / 563.425.5400 / novakd@uiu.edu
  • Website: UIU Veterans Page