Part One: Chris shares the history of the home as it was originally built in Wellman, Iowa and was brought to Washington by the Washington Economic Development Group.

Part Two: Chris discusses the history of the living room and utilities and what repairs have been made in this area.

Part Three: Chris gives a walkthrough of the two bedrooms on the main floor along with the jack and jill bathroom.

Part Four: Chris shares more about the electrical updates and information about the kitchen layout.

Part Five: Chris discusses ​the HVAC system along with information about the garage.

Part Six: Chris gives an overview of the downstairs basement layout.

Part Seven: Chris gives a walkthrough of one of the bedrooms downstairs.

Final Part: Chris shares the final bedroom, laundry room, bathroom, and utility room.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
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Donate to support necessary home repairs for members of your community. 

Donations to Helping Hands go to removing the barrier to safe, decent shelter for those with insufficient income through critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, and emergency repairs (ERMAR). 

Together, we build home again.

Across the Iowa City community, the University of Iowa Retirement Association (UIRA) is known for staying connected, sharing knowledge, building relationships, and supporting each other long after retirement. That shows up in many ways, and this year, it's reflected through Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's (IVHFH) Women Build, honoring UIRA member Dr. Elizabeth "Liz" Swanson.

Liz's career at the University of Iowa College of Nursing reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, research, and education. As an author, editor, and contributor to the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), her work has helped shape how healthcare professionals understand and measure patient outcomes. Her impact reaches beyond the classroom, influencing practice and future nurses. That same spirit of learning from one another and growing together is at the heart of Women Build.

Led by Liz, a dedicated group of volunteers who make up IVHFH's Women Build Committee is working to raise more than $75,000 to support the construction of a Habitat home and at least two Helping Hands home repair projects. These repairs, including accessibility modifications, critical home repairs, major appliance replacements, and emergency repairs, help homeowners stay living safely in the homes they already love.

This year's project carries a special connection. The future homeowner is a single mother and a nurse with the University of Iowa Health Care. While she and Liz didn't know each other before this project, their connection feels meaningful, showing how women at different stages of life can support and learn from one another. One has spent her career teaching and advancing the nursing field. The other is caring for patients and her family. Together, they are committed to care, growth, and community.

Women Build brings people together. Volunteers come from all backgrounds and experiences, and no one needs to arrive with expert knowledge or tools in hand. People show up, learn something new, support each other, and differences strengthen the work.

There's something meaningful in seeing Liz's involvement and the broader UIRA community. The example set by women who have spent their lives teaching, leading, and mentoring, supporting not only each other but the entire community.

Through research and experience, we know home matters. Stable housing improves health, reduces the risk of injury, and creates a foundation that families need to plan ahead. For this family, and for those supported through Helping Hands, this work is about more than building; it's about stability, dignity, and the chance to move forward.

There are many ways to be involved. Donations will help reach the $75,000 goal and support both the home build and repairs. Volunteers are invited to help build this fall; no construction experience is needed. There are also ways to participate off the build site, by supporting volunteers with meals or attending construction workshops led by IVHFH's Construction Manager, Christy Shipley.

Supporters are also invited to attend Hammers & Hardhats on October 8, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's annual event that raises funds for and celebrates Women Build.

The impact will last well beyond the Home Dedication Ceremony. It will show up in the relationships built, the stability created, and in women showing up for each other and strengthening our entire community.
Together, we build across generations

Did you know that we are working on a home remodel project in Washington, Iowa? As we near completion of our work, our construction manager, Chris, is looking for volunteers throughout April to help us get closer to completion! Volunteers will help with painting, interior trim, and installing new kitchen cabinets.

​We have volunteer opportunities Thursday - Saturday, with morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm) and afternoon (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm) shifts each week. Interested? Sign up on our Volunteer Calendar!

Meet John McKinstry, a CORE volunteer at the Iowa City ReStore. John is one of the newest members of our Iowa City ReStore CORE volunteers, but he has been a familiar face at IVHFH! From serving as a Board President on the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition to hosting fundraising events, John has dedicated his life to helping others in need.

What year did you start volunteer with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity?
I started with Habitat by going to a workshop in a church building in St. Paul, MN in 1986 which featured Millard Fuller as the main speaker. That summer I spent a week volunteering in St. Paul. In 1987, I helped organize (and was the first President) of the Habitat affiliate in Jasper County, Iowa and the first house renovation in Colfax, IA. Moving from Colfax to Iowa City in the summer of 1993, I began volunteering with IVHFH in 1994.

What is your favorite memory with IVHFH?
I enjoyed working with many Habitat Volunteers from First Christian Church of Iowa City, but William Laubengayer and Charlie Donham were at nearly every build together, so I especially remember working with them.

If you could give advice to any new volunteers or individuals who are on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them?
The Habitat professionals are especially skilled in working with volunteers, so you can trust them to find ways to make you safe, productive, and appreciative of the opportunity to serve.

What drives you to continue to volunteer with us?
After all these years with Habitat, I have more time to volunteer, and I still believe in the Habitat philosophy of working alongside families to capitalize them and set them up for long term success.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
If I recall correctly, the first small, fully renovated house we sold at no interest to a single mom in Colfax, Iowa back in 1988 cost about $25,000 but today houses cost 8x that or more, meaning we must find new ways to provide housing and financing. Through innovation and extraordinary effort, Habitat remains on the cutting edge of providing affordable home ownership opportunities nationwide and around the world. I am pleased to be a tiny part of Habitat.

Thank you, John, for all of your hard work and dedication to not only our affiliate but to all you have helped over the years! We are so thankful for the countless hours you have dedicated to our organization, whether it is on the build site, in the ReStore, or even being an advocate in the community!

Are you looking to spend a few hours a week with your new friends? We have the opportunity and privilege to help you with that. All the while, you are helping put our mission to work. You can visit the Iowa City ReStore to help sort and price donations. Or you can sort and bag redeemable cans and bottles to raise money to build homes for people in your community—in fact, we raise around $15,000 each year with your donations of redeemable cans and bottles (no glass, please)! There are plenty of jobs here for all skill levels. Do you have a specific set of skills you would be interested in sharing with us? Lamp restoration, furniture repair, retail experience, upholstery, you name it. We will find a good fit for you here in the store! Sign up for a volunteer shift at the Iowa City ReStore TODAY!