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.
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-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.

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! 

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!