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!

Meet Isabella Pentecost, our 2025 fall intern at our Women Build house! We caught up with her to discuss her experience with our organization!

When did you first begin interning with IVHFH?
"I began interning with IVHFH at the beginning of October 2025"

What is your favorite IVHFH memory?
"I don't have one specific memory, but one of my favorite parts has been getting to meet new people every week. It's been so fun to interact with all of the volunteers and learn a little bit about each of them."

How has working alongside women leaders, such as our Construction Manager, Christy, and our Women Build honorees, Digger and Wai Yin, influenced your experience on the Women Build site?
"I've loved getting to work with all of the amazing women on this build. It's inspiring to see how knowledgeable they are and how confident they lead. They always seem to have an answer to any question I ask. It's really cool to see women so active in this industry, and it has helped me feel like I have a place here too."

If you could offer advice to anyone on the fence about volunteering or interning with us, what would you tell them?
"Do it—you won't regret it. You can learn something from every single task. Don't be afraid to jump in and be part of the work. Try something you've never done before, whether it's using a saw or a nail gun. Everyone is constantly learning, so you're in the same boat as most of the people around you. Don't be afraid to go for it."

How will this experience help with your future endeavors?
"My long-term career goal is to own my own business focused on residential property redevelopment, so everything I'm learning through this internship will be valuable in the future. I'm learning something new every day on site, and I'm very excited to apply all of this knowledge to my career down the road."

Is there any other information you would like people to know?
"Nothing specific. For a little more background about me, I'm from Waverly, Iowa, and graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School. I'm currently attending Kirkwood to earn my AAS degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture, and after that I plan to get my real estate license."

Thank you, Isabella, for all of your hard work and dedication to our organization! We know you are going to do amazing work, and we will always be cheering you on!

Dear Donors, Shoppers, and Volunteers,

We are back!

Usually at the end of the year, we take a couple of weeks off around the holidays. A week in November to celebrate with our families for the Thanksgiving holiday. And again, in December around Christmas.

Now we are back and are excited to get started on another super year here at the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore. 

Donors, are you aware that we offer a complimentary pick-up service for large items you might wish to donate to our cause? That's right, it's a free pickup. We accept good working appliances, gently used and well-maintained furniture too. You can go directly to our website at iowacityrestore.com and schedule a pick-up, post photos and ask questions. On the website you can also get a look at a list of items we accept and a list of items we are not able to take. We can't wait to see what you bring to help build homes in 2026!

Hey you Shoppers! We've been waiting for you to come in and support our mission by purchasing quality used items at a fraction of retail cost! Building materials, appliances, light fixtures, tools, hardware, and all the furniture you could possibly fill your spaces with. Keep the color of the tag in mind, because we change them every week. The color tag on that sweet barstool may get you up to 75% off. Check the color board right when you come in and be sure to get your discounts!

Volunteer folks, we see you. 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 come to the ReStore and help sort and price donations. Or you can separate and bag redeemable cans and bottles to help generate money to help build homes for people in your community. There are plenty of jobs here for all skill levels. 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.

So, remember we are back. Your donations, your spending​, and your time, help your Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity build homes, create friendships, and offer quality items to people in our community.

See you soon,
​Thorin Peugh
Director, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Open Wednesday through Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
2401 Scott Blvd SE | Iowa City, Iowa 52240 | (319) 338-5687
​Visit the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore: iowacityrestore.com | Facebook

Last week, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Helping Hands home repair staff responded to an emergency repair (ERMAR) for a homeowner facing unsafe and unhealthy living conditions during sub-zero temperatures. These are the moments when our community’s support can make an incredible impact on our neighbors. Together, we build belonging.

The repair request came from a mobile homeowner who is an older adult living with disabilities. A November windstorm damaged the home, which is located near the northeast corner of the mobile home park, exposing it to the strongest winds in the area. During the storm, the wind lifted the home’s vinyl siding and tore off a 25-foot section with it.

Although the trailer was built in 2000, no sheathing was installed behind the siding. When the siding came off, the insulation was also damaged, leaving only drywall between the homeowner and the freezing temperatures.

HomeBrewed, Home Renewed was a memorable night of music, community, and shared commitment to Habitat's mission. The support raised during the evening will directly strengthen our Helping Hands home repair program, helping homeowners remain safe, stable, and independent in the homes they already love.