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Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
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​habitat
​news

Meet Edith: ERMAR Program Manager

7/28/2022

 
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In the nearly two years since introducing the Emergency Repair and Major Appliance Replacement (ERMAR) program, there has been no shortage of households who are in need of the service. ERMAR allows us to serve some of the lowest-income members of our community, swiftly addressing emergent issues that would otherwise render a home unlivable. We are excited to announce that Edith Jones has transitioned into the position of ERMAR Program Manager. We are so grateful to be able to continue growing this program.

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Prior to accepting the ERMAR position Edith was a ReStore associate, but her history with IVHFH goes back even further. Edith previously served with us as an AmeriCorps service member, working with the construction crew for an entire year. She is also fluent in Spanish, frequently facilitating communication with those we serve. Edith’s diverse skill set, coupled with her passion for lifting up everyone around her, will no doubt serve her very well in this new role. We can’t wait to watch ERMAR continue to develop.

IVHFH Repairs A/C Amid Extreme Summer Heat

7/28/2022

 
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Tina lives with her husband and two children (ages 11 and 5) in a mobile home in Iowa City. The family has been living without air conditioning; with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees many days this summer, Tina who works from home and her children who are out of school for the summer were in an unsafe situation. Adding to worries, Tina suffers from asthma. Given the health and safety concerns for Tina and her children, the family reached out to IVHFH for help.
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Helping Hands stepped in and because of Tina’s health and the forecasted high temperatures, IVHFH determined to address their need as an Emergency Repair and Major Appliance Replacement project (ERMAR). Through IVHFH’s ERMAR service, the air conditioning unit was repaired within just a couple days. Tina says the repair took stress off her shoulders and made her home more livable and comfortable and everyone has been able to sleep better. Tina was especially grateful that this repair meant the family would not have to take out a loan and run up more debt.

To learn more about Helping Hands home repairs and ERMAR services, click here.

City of Iowa City Supports Women Build With Climate Action Grant

6/27/2022

 
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As many of our long-time supporters are aware, we take great care to build energy efficient homes. These measures ensure utility costs are low and reduce consumption of resources. This year’s Jane Hagedorn Women Build project is no different as we will install spray foam insulation, which seals gaps and prevents air penetration, Energy Star appliances, and an energy recovery ventilation system.

In addition to these features, and with the support of a Climate Action Grant from the City of Iowa City, we are upping our electrification efforts by installing an air-source heat pump HVAC system, and a heat pump water heater. Installing electric appliances instead of appliances that use fossil fuels, also known as electrification, helps reduce a home’s carbon footprint. As renewable sources increasingly provide electricity to our homes in conjunction with utility providers’ efforts to switch to wind and solar power, heating and cooling with electricity reduces carbon emissions. Installing an air source heat pump will allow this Women Build project to be heated with clean electricity, rather than a gas furnace. New advances will allow this heat pump to be effective year-round, including on some of the coldest winter days. The IVHFH staff and board of directors want to thank the City of Iowa City for support of this initiative and investing in efforts to reduce our community’s carbon footprint. Read more about our efforts to build energy efficient homes.

Homeowner Spotlight: Steve

5/13/2022

 
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Before IVHFH stepped in, homeowner Steve was considering a life-changing decision. He had been looking to move into low-income housing or to an assisted living facility because his home was not meeting his accessibility needs. More than anything, he wanted to continue living in his home, but he could not afford the modifications and repairs his house needed for him to safely maneuver his wheelchair throughout his home. Safe and accessible housing is a key social determinant of health, so IVHFH was determined to help.

Problem: Steve's roof was covered by shingles that were recalled by the manufacturer, thus creating two significant problems. First, the insurance company refused to provide coverage. Second, the roof leaked, causing damage to the bathroom drywall.
Helping Hands Solution: IVHFH oversaw significant roof repair. After removing the old shingles, it was discovered that the plank decking had large gaps. IVHFH contracted for OSB to be placed on top of the existing planks, and completed the repair with installation of tar paper and new shingles.

Problem: The bathroom was unsafe and inaccessible. The tub had a high step that frequently caused Steve to fall when entering and exiting the shower. Additionally, the vanity was 25 inches from the bathroom wall and did not allow for Steve to get his wheelchair close to the toilet. Finally, the area near the toilet was unsafe.
Helping Hands Solution: To make the shower accessible, IVHFH arranged installation of a no-step shower with a hand-spout, removable bench, and two grab bars. Habitat staff removed the vanity and had a wall-mounted sink installed to make the toilet accessible in a wheelchair. To make the area near the toilet safe, IVHFH installed a new toilet with grab bars on both sides.

Problem: The hallway and bathroom doorway were only 30 inches wide. Because Steve's wheelchair is 28 inches wide, he was forced to park his wheelchair in the hallway and walk to the bathroom. Although only a few steps, he frequently fell.
Helping Hands Solution: IVHFH widened the hallway by nine inches and then widened the bathroom entrance and installed a 36 inch door. Habitat staff also installed no-slip vinyl click flooring in the hall.

Homeowner Spotlight: Margarita Rodriguez

4/25/2022

 
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Margarita Rodriguez has lived in her home for 31 years. She lives in the Iowa City Forest View community and she has been a source of support for her neighbors for decades. Margarita often puts her neighbors needs before her own, but with the added stress of the Covid-19 pandemic and the looming displacement of Forest View residents, she found her home was in critical need of repairs. Through Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Helping Hands Emergency Repair service (ERMAR), Margarita was able to make several home improvements.

​Problem:
 Each time Margarita used her kitchen sink, the water backed up. This issue caused damage to her kitchen floor and cabinets.
Helping Hands Solution: Our ERMAR team discovered the drainpipe from the kitchen sink was installed improperly, which caused inadequate drainage. IVHFH hired a licensed plumber to properly install a new drainpipe so that water could exit the sink with no problem.

Problem: The subflooring in the bathroom of Margarita’s home suffered water damage. As a result, the bathroom floor was unstable, and Margarita feared it would collapse.
Helping Hands Solution: IVHFH hired a contractor to remove and reset the toilet, remove the damaged subflooring, replace it with new plywood, and install new flooring. As a result of these repairs, Margarita no longer has to worry about the floor in her bathroom collapsing.

Homeowner Spotlight: Micki

3/31/2022

 
Last year, IVHFH served homeowner Micki through the Helping Hands home repair program. Micki's home needed several repairs that she could not afford. She explained, "Some repairs I space off because it’s a big expense. [Helping Hands is] kind of like having backup if something bad happens. I don’t have any income right now. If I didn’t have backup during an emergency situation I don’t know what I would do. I don’t have any money for that." Micki has lived in her house for 21 years and thanks to Helping Hands, she can continue living safely in her home with her dog, Lily. Read on to learn how IVHFH addressed Micki's home repair needs.

Problem: Several years ago, a tree branch fell on the backside of the roof of Micki’s home. There was noticeable damage to the shingles and roof decking.
Our Solution: IVHFH hired a licensed contractor to remove the shingles, replace the damaged roof decking, apply underlayment, and install new shingles on the backside of the home.
 
Problem: The stove in Micki’s home was damaged and leaked gas causing a significant safety issue.
Our Solution: IVHFH purchased and installed a new gas stove. Because of this appliance replacement, Micki was able to cook without fear of serious injury.
 
Problem: The fiberglass shower in Micki’s bathroom had multiple cracks. If left untended, these cracks could cause damage to the framing and subflooring.
Our Solution: IVHFH staff installed a new shower basin and fiberglass surround. These new materials prevented serious damage to the structure of the home.

Visit our Helping Hands repair program page for more information or reach out to Aaron at aaron@iowavalleyhabitat.org.
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2021 by the Numbers

3/11/2022

 
Throughout 2021, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity continued to experience challenges to its traditional ways of working. With the help of our community, IVHFH responded with incredible agility, resilience, and compassion. We are excited to share with you a brief year-in-review.
  • Homeownership-built 5 new homes and remodeled an additional 2 homes.
  • Helping Hands-completed 38 emergency home repairs, carried out 18 critical home repairs, and constructed 4 accessibility ramps.
  • ReStore-through sales of donated goods, the Iowa City ReStore raised $500,000 while diverting 865 tons of usable goods from the landfill.
  • Donors-590 individuals donated $306,000 through individual contributions and fundraising events.
  • Cans for Habitat-270,000 cans were donated and recycled raising over $13,700 for emergency home repairs.
  • Volunteers-590 individuals volunteered 6,500 hours on construction sites, in the Iowa City ReStore, in the Habitat for Humanity office, and on various IVHFH boards and committees.


To all of our volunteers, donors, homeowners, customers, and supporters, THANK YOU! With your help, more of our neighbors can build and improve a place to call home in 2022!
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Homeowner Spotlight: Terri

11/10/2021

 
​Helping Hands homeowner, Terri, has hope for a bright, warm, safe holiday season with her family. A year ago, Terri was living in a hotel with her son and his three children. For a month, her mobile home sat vacant in North Liberty with no electricity, heat, or plumbing as she waited for it to be moved to a new mobile home park in Iowa City. During this time, the water lines froze and burst. Further damages were sustained during the move to Iowa City. Terri struggled to pay for a hotel room the entire month, so she had no way to afford the repairs her home needed. That's when she turned to IVHFH.

Through the Helping Hands home repair program, Terri made multiple repairs including electrical work, carpet replacement and subflooring repair, roof repair, and more. Terri says, "The carpet in here was so matted down and cold. With this new carpet, my floors are nice and warm. And the cold air from the doors--I can actually shut my doors and not see the daylight from outside." As she talked about her grandchildren, Terri said, "I want these children to know that they have a safe space." With the help of IVHFH, Terri has achieved that goal.
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October 01st, 2021

10/1/2021

 

Tami Bonnett, Development Director, Honored by CBJ

9/30/2021

 
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​​Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is thrilled to announce that our very own Tami Bonnett, Development Director, has been selected as one of Corridor Business Journal’s 40 Under 40! Each year, CBJ honors outstanding individuals who have made a significant impact in their field and their community. Tami has been with IVHFH since 2013 and has been an invaluable member of the team since day one. We are so glad to see her hard work and dedication recognized in this way and can’t wait to see what her big heart leads her to accomplish next. Congratulations, Tami!

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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
​ReStore
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