CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Wednesday, developers, contractors, and city leaders met for the Housing Iowa Conference in Cedar Rapids to workshop new ideas that could make housing more accessible - especially for those who struggle to live independently.

“We know that so many Iowans are one paycheck or one challenge away from potentially being at risk of homelessness,” said Ashley Jared with Iowa Finance Authority.

Organizers say supportive housing not only changes lives, it also reduces strain on jails, prisons, and emergency rooms. That’s the goal of the state’s first ever Supportive Housing Institute.

Seven teams from across Iowa were chosen to take part and they’re revealing their findings this week.

“They spend two days out of every month talking about, ‘How do I take my idea of de

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