The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines recently awarded $44.5 million in grants from its Competitive Affordable Housing Program to provide housing for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, the homeless and at-risk youths across its district, which consists of Iowa and 12 other states and three U.S. Pacific territories, according to a release. The bank also contributed $15.2 million throughout the year to assist families with down payment and closing cost expenses. Every year, FHLB Des Moines returns 10 percent of its net income throughout communities in its district. The Competitive Affordable Housing Program encourages partnerships between FHLB Des Moines member institutions and local housing providers to construct new homes and restore existing homes to ensure housing for the community. Beyond housing, the program works to generate jobs by employing local businesses to complete projects. The bank also offers down payment and closing cost assistance through its Home$tart, Home$tart Plus and Native American Homeownership Initiative programs. The recent round of grants included four projects in Iowa, none in Greater Des Moines.