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​
​habitat
​news

IVHFH Builds Ramp for Iowa City Homeowner

9/23/2019

 
Each day I climb a few steps to get in and out of my house. On the days when I feel especially energetic, like Fridays a little after 5:00 pm, I bound up the steps two-at-a-time. Navigating them is so routine that, despite often being preoccupied with my responsibilities at work, my plans for the weekend, and any other topic that requires my time and attention, I never even break stride. Many in our community are not as fortunate. For many family, friends, and neighbors, the challenges presented by those few steps change their lives; they make it difficult to make doctor’s appointments, to meet with friends, to go to work. These steps become insurmountable obstacles.

Earlier this month we met Maria, an Iowa City resident facing the challenges of an inaccessible home. Our Helping Hands crew built the ramp pictured below. The picture is evidence that Maria’s days of mindlessly climbing the stairs, or jumping up the stairs two-at-a-time, are forever in her past. But the picture also shows the future; one with better health, family reunions, and coffee with friends. We are happy to lend a hand to make these moments possible for Maria.
​
-Article written by Scott Hawes, IVHFH Helping Hands Program Manager
 
If you, or a loved one, could benefit from a ramp or aging in place modification, contact our office at (319)337-8949 for more information about Helping Hands.
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Doris Preucil Women Build Hosts Fundraiser with Red Cedar Chamber Music

9/23/2019

 
In August, Doris Preucil and the Women Build committee along with Red Cedar Chamber Music hosted a fundraising event featuring food, drinks, commentary from the future Women Build homeowners, and live music performances by Doris Preucil, Bill Preucil, Miera Kim, and Carey Bostian. Miera Kim is Red Cedar Chamber Music's Executive Director, and Carey Bostian is the organization's Artistic Director. The couple hosted guests in their home, the historic Musser-Dixon house in Iowa City. Doris Preucil and the Women Build committee want to express their sincere thanks to everyone who attended the event and made generous donations in support of construction of the Doris Preucil Women Build home and Women Build Helping Hands repair project. Special thanks to the wonderful volunteers and donors who helped host the event, Miera Kim and Carey Bostian, Thomas Leavenworth and Lyse Strnad, Gary and LaDonna Wicklund, Dale and Patty Roberts, and the Women Build committee. More than $7,000 was raised through this event! 
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IVHFH Celebrates National Construction Appreciation Week

9/23/2019

 
Did you know the third week of September is dedicated to the hard-working people employed in construction trades?! Of course #ConstructionApprececiationWeek is near and dear to our hearts. From our construction staff, to trades that help us build and repair homes, to the businesses that supply quality material for our projects, there are hundreds of people who help make housing affordable in our communities. Sponsored by I Build America, Construction Appreciation Week was celebrated September 16-20. Help us recognize and acknowledge some of our partners for the work they are doing to ensure we are providing safe and quality housing. Thanks to all of these partners, not just during this special week dedicated to construction, but each and every day throughout the year!

Women Build to Support its First Repair Project

9/5/2019

 
For more than ten years, members of the Women Build Committee have come together to raise money, swing hammers, and support homeownership for first-time buyers. Because of their can-do attitude and willingness to roll up their sleeves, Women Build has become one of IVHFH's great successes. In addition to assisting in all practical matters related to building a house each year, the women of the committee have long inspired our affiliate and pushed us to discover new ways to support affordable homeownership. And as we grew, the Women Build Committee grew alongside -always demonstrating the values that make Women Build so successful. So when IVHFH staff made a request to this year's committee to sponsor a Helping Hands project, the committee unsurprisingly embraced the challenge and got to work. And because of that work, a woman who was facing the problems that accompany inadequate housing can now bathe safely, get in and out of her house without falling, and perhaps even grow a garden next year. So, to the women of the Women Build Committee, past and present, we say thank you. Thank you for supporting this project. Thank you for inspiring us to be better. Thank you for showing us how far a little grit and determination can take us.
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Problem
Homeowner Pam suffers from chronic pain and her bathtub presented a significant hazard. The ledge made entering and exiting dangerous as putting all of her weight on one leg caused her to lose her balance. Also, she had nothing to steady herself with so bathing came with multiple risks.
Helping Hands Solution
We installed a walk-in tub with therapeutic jets and grab bars. Pam can now enter and exit by simply opening the door and stepping in the tub. When she feels unsteady, she can use the grab bars to help her balance. We also installed a removable shower faucet so she can sit down and take a quick shower when she is in a hurry.
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Problem
The walkway leading to Pam's front porch was very uneven. The path was especially treacherous at night and during the winter months. These hazards were made even more dangerous by Pam's chronic pain.
Helping Hands Solution
We mudjacked the path to make it level. A concrete patch was then applied to the areas that were still unlevel and/or cracked.
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Problem
The back porch was uneven with a large step between the first and second step. Additionally, the rails were not secured well and offered little support. These problems conspired with Pam's health to prevent her from gardening this year.
Helping Hands Solution
Our construction staff turned one large and unsafe step into two smaller, more manageable, steps. Our staff then added secure rails and a short walkway at the bottom. Pam is now excited by the prospect of growing a garden next year.
Do you need affordable home repairs or accessibility modifications? ​
​Email scott@iowavalleyhabitat.org or call 319-337-8949.

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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
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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 >
      • Fiston & Nadege
      • Mogahid & Rahma
      • Betty & Emma
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
    • Criteria and Application
    • Homeownership FAQs
  • Events
    • Dave Schuldt Memorial Build
    • Homes, Communities, Hope + You
    • Hammers and Hardhats Auction
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
    • COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) UPDATES
    • News
    • Affordable Housing Bible Study