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Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
  • Home
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      • Homeownership
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  • Own a Home
    • Affordable Homeownership
    • Homeowner Stories >
      • Yasir & Rena
      • Fiston & Nadege
      • Mogahid & Rahma
      • Betty & Emma
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
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​Fiston
​& Nadege

Thank you to everyone who is building our house. They make us feel welcome in our community."
​
-Fistina
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When Fiston and Nadege were approved for IVHFH’s Homeownership program, Fiston said he “could not believe it.” Similarly, Nadege was very surprised and wasn’t sure it could be true. They recognize it as a wonderful opportunity for their family.

Fiston, Nadege, and their daughter Fistina are from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, while son James was born in Iowa City. The family recently welcomed a baby boy, John, to their family. Because of economic instability and political turmoil in DRC, Fiston and Nadege’s long-term success there was tenuous and daily life was filled with uncertainty. The family says that if a person is fortunate enough to own something like a home, it is possible that the government may seize it at any time. Homes are difficult to purchase because loans and payment plans are unavailable. Education is also expensive and many families cannot afford to send their children to school. This contributed to Fiston and Nadege's decision to apply for the Diversity Visa program.

The family was approved through the Diversity Visa program and arrived in Illinois in 2014 where they stayed with a host family. Hearing that Iowa City was an immigrant-friendly community, Fiston began staying with friends and looking for jobs and housing in the area. Soon he secured both, and the rest of the family was able to join him in Iowa City.

Fistina is excited to have her own space in her new home and to make friends in a new neighborhood. In her own room, she will be able to concentrate on the schoolwork she is so passionate about. James is eager to have his own room and to have somewhere safe to ride his new battery-operated ride-on car that he got for Christmas.

Fiston and Nadege are comforted to know that their family will have a permanent residence in Iowa City, and something that they can leave to their children. They are excited for their children to have their own space to be kids and not have to worry about bothering the neighbors. Mostly, they are looking forward to the peace of mind that comes along with homeownership.

Fiston says, “To those supporting my family I say thank you. You are all welcome in my family. Your gift will be forever stamped on my heart. It will be shared throughout the world.”
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Our Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Our Vision: 
A world where everyone has
a decent place to live.

Our Values:
- Demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
- Focus on shelter.
- Advocate for affordable housing.
- Promote dignity and hope.
- Support sustainable and transformative development.
Donate
​Volunteer
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Contact us
Habitat for Humanity International

​
We welcome all who believe that everyone needs a decent, affordable place to live. Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations do not proselytize.
​Habitat will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must either adhere to or convert to a particular faith, or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

Address 2401 Scott Blvd. Iowa City, Iowa 52240        Phone (319) 337-8949         Email info@iowavalleyhabitat.org


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  • Home
  • About Habitat
    • Who We Are
    • Why Housing Matters
    • Programs >
      • Homeownership
      • Helping Hands
      • Financial Literacy & Homeowner Education
      • ReStore
      • Global Builds
      • Women Build
    • Advocacy: Cost of Home
    • Interfaith Committee
    • Green Initiatives
    • Board of Directors
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Donate
    • Donate Today
    • Sponsorship
    • Cars for Homes
    • Gifts-in-Kind
  • Volunteer
    • Help us Build
    • Volunteer on a Construction Site
    • Volunteer in the ReStore
    • Other Ways to Volunteer
    • Volunteer FAQs
  • Own a Home
    • Affordable Homeownership
    • Homeowner Stories >
      • Yasir & Rena
      • Fiston & Nadege
      • Mogahid & Rahma
      • Betty & Emma
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
    • Criteria and Application
    • Homeownership FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • Employment Opportunities
    • COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATES
    • News
    • Affordable Housing Bible Study