Mahaska County

Founded in 1851, Mahaska County was named after Chief Mahaska of the Iowa tribe. Visitors of the Nelson Pioneer Farm & Museum in Oskaloosa, Iowa can learn all about agricultural history. The Quercus Wilderness Area in New Sharon, Iowa is made up of 111 acres for visitor to camp, hunt and enjoy the outdoors.
Date of HBI Establishment: July 2017
Website: Mahaska County
Contact: Deann De Groot / ddegroot@mahaskchamber.org / 641-672-2591
Cities: About Home Base Iowa Cities, Oskaloosa

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.

Oskaloosa

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 Oskaloosa, incentives include:

  • Welcome Basket and community tour.
  • Hotel Incentives
  • Banking Assistance
    • Bank Iowa: $500 off closing costs for a residential real estate loan for a veteran.
    • Bank Iowa: 1st 12 months free - safe deposit box
    • Bank Iowa: Discounted commercial loan rates for veterans moving to Mahaska county
  • Relocating & Home Ownership Incentives: 
    • First Time Homebuyer Assistance program includes a zero percent interest loan of up to $3,500 to assist a first-time home buyer with the down payment and/or closing costs of purchasing a home in the city of Oskaloosa. For more information visit www.oskaloosaiowa.org
    • Five year tax abatement on new construction homes in the city of Oskaloosa. For more information visit www.oskaloosaiowa.org
    • Rural Housing Trust Fund Rehabilitation Program offers up to $12,000 per home. New construction, rental, demolition and emergency repair programs are also available.
  • Business Assistance Incentives
  • Quality of Life Incentives
  • Veterans Affairs Office

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.

Indian Hills Community College

Indian Hills Community College, located in Ottumwa and Centerville, was founded in 1966 and its district spans 10 counties in southeast Iowa. Indian Hills seeks to change lives by inspiring learning, diversity, social enrichment and regional economic advancement. Students may choose from a wide variety of options including arts and sciences, advanced technology, health sciences or customized learning options. 

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.

Mahaska County Veteran Incentives

Home Base Iowa 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.

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:

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