Key Awards and Recognized Leaders

The soirée will honor two distinct contributions to housing equity:

• Individual Leadership Award: Presented to Kris Schechinger-Camper, Director of Corporate Citizenship at Nationwide Mutual Insurance. Schechinger-Camper, a former vice chair of the PCHTF, has played a pivotal role in shaping the Trust Fund’s funding priorities, aligning corporate resources with community-driven housing solutions.
• Collective Impact Award: Awarded to Bankers Trust for its sustained commitment to housing initiatives and organizational leadership over the Trust Fund’s 30-plus-year history. The award underscores the institution’s role in fostering collaboration among financial, nonprofit, and government stakeholders.

The event will also spotlight the Trust Fund’s ongoing efforts to distribute community investment grants for nonprofit housing programs, reinforcing its mission to address homelessness and housing instability in Polk County.

Why This Event Matters: The Intersection of Corporate Philanthropy and Housing Equity

The Housing For All Excellence Soirée is more than an awards ceremony—it’s a strategic convening of housing advocates, policymakers, and corporate partners. In a region where U.S. Census data (2024) indicates 12% of Polk County households are cost-burdened by housing expenses (spending over 30% of income on rent/mortgage), the Trust Fund’s work is critical. Here’s how the event aligns with broader trends:

• Corporate Engagement in Housing Solutions: Companies like Nationwide and Bankers Trust are increasingly directing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments toward affordable housing. According to the Conference Board (2025), 42% of Fortune 500 firms now integrate housing stability into their social impact portfolios.
• Nonprofit-Corporate Partnerships: The PCHTF’s model—leveraging private-sector funding to amplify nonprofit capacity—mirrors successful initiatives in Philadelphia and Seattle, where similar collaborations have reduced chronic homelessness by 25% over five years.
• Local Policy Impact: Iowa’s 2025 Housing Stability Act allocates $50 million annually to county-level housing trusts. The PCHTF’s grants directly support programs eligible for state matching funds, creating a multiplier effect.

How to Attend and Support the Cause

Tickets for the soirée are available through the PCHTF event portal. Proceeds and sponsorships contribute to the Trust Fund’s grant programs, which in 2025 alone allocated $3.2 million to 18 nonprofit partners serving over 1,200 households.

Key details:

• Date/Time: May 28, 2026 | 4:30–7:00 PM
• Location: The French Way, 1234 Highland Park Dr, Des Moines, IA 50312
• RSVP: Click here to register
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Contact info@pchtf.org for partnership inquiries.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Housing Equity in Polk County

As the PCHTF approaches its 30th anniversary, the soirée serves as a milestone to reflect on progress and set future priorities. With HUD projecting a 15% increase in Iowa’s housing cost burden by 2030, the Trust Fund’s work—backed by corporate leaders like Schechinger-Camper and Bankers Trust—will be pivotal in shaping sustainable solutions.

For organizations and individuals committed to housing equity, the event offers a rare opportunity to network with decision-makers, learn from award recipients, and explore collaboration opportunities. Whether through attendance, sponsorship, or grant applications, participation in the PCHTF’s ecosystem can amplify impact in one of Iowa’s most pressing social challenges.

Key Takeaways

• The Housing For All Excellence Soirée recognizes two leaders: Kris Schechinger-Camper (Individual Leadership) and Bankers Trust (Collective Impact).
• The event highlights the PCHTF’s role in distributing $3.2 million in grants to nonprofits addressing homelessness and housing instability.
• Corporate partnerships are accelerating housing equity, with 42% of Fortune 500 firms now investing in social housing solutions.
• Attendees can RSVP here; sponsorships support grant programs serving 1,200+ households annually.

FAQs

1. What is the Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF)?

The PCHTF is a nonprofit organization established in 1996 to fund affordable housing initiatives in Polk County. It operates through public-private partnerships, distributing grants to nonprofits that provide rental assistance, homeless services, and homeownership programs.

2. How can businesses get involved?

Companies can sponsor the soirée, contribute to the Trust Fund’s endowment, or apply for corporate matching grant programs. Nationwide and Bankers Trust serve as examples of long-term engagement.

3. Are there tax benefits to supporting PCHTF?

Yes. Donations to the PCHTF are tax-deductible as charitable contributions under IRS Section 501(c)(3). Corporate sponsors may qualify for state tax credits under Iowa’s Housing Stability Act.

4. What types of housing programs does PCHTF fund?

The Trust Fund prioritizes grants for:

• Emergency rental assistance programs
• Permanent supportive housing for veterans and families
• Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers
• Homelessness prevention services

Full grant guidelines are available here.