Former Iowa Jewish community center to become housing for chronically homeless

Sioux City, Iowa, received a $1 million grant from the Missouri River Historical Development on August 27 to transform the former Jewish Community Center into permanent supportive housing. The $6.56 million Star Apartments project at 525 14th St. will create 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments with on-site case management and supportive services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. The city noted a significant need, with 1,054 individuals seeking housing assistance in 2025, including 246 chronically homeless and 655 with disabilities, while only 70 referrals to housing programs were made. Jill Wanderscheid, Sioux City’s neighborhood services manager, stated, “There’s about, on any given day, about 70 people that we know of out there that are currently experiencing homelessness, that also have a disability.” Construction is slated to begin in 2027 and conclude in 2028.