In the afternoon of Sunday, October 27, the two families of Hatim and Sayeda, and Habtamu and Ebsitu celebrated their new homes with their friends and family, Habitat staff, and many supporters throughout our community. As part of the 2019 Interfaith Builds project, this dedication ceremony included beautiful prayers and blessings on the home from various faith traditions including Islam, Judaism, Unitarian Universalism, and Christianity. Those in attendance were in return blessed by hearing from the families, who gave thanks for the support of people throughout our community – both friends and strangers. Owning a home has long been a dream for both families, and this day celebrated this dream come true for two of our community’s families. Afterward, attendees were able to tour the homes, mingle, and enjoy delicious food prepared by the two families and their friends.
 
Like so many, these two families have endured much hardship and pain as they were forced into impossible decisions for their family’s safety and health. And like everyone, these families deserve a comfortable and affordable home in which to grow and thrive.
 
Congratulations to both families as you begin a new life as homeowners! We are so blessed to have you in our Habitat family.

2020 Interfaith Builds Needs Your Support!
With the completion of the successful 2019 Interfaith Builds project comes the start of the next. This means we would love to talk with you and your faith community or other group about how to support this important program aimed at (1) putting faith and/or good will into positive action, and (2) bringing people together and improving understanding and acceptance of all backgrounds, including faith.
 
One lesson learned over and over through work with diverse people is that all religions and people of good will share very similar values; one of these is a fundamental belief in striving to always treat others in ways you desire to be treated. Another shared value is the necessity to live your faith and values through action. We hope you and your faith community will join us in our vision to make the Interfaith Builds continue year after year.
 
Ways to support include:
• Financial contributions, individually and/or through your faith group. One-time or planned.
• Volunteer! Want to have fun, make a difference to families in our community, and learn and practice valuable skills? We always need extra hands, whether already skilled or willing to learn! Bring yourself and your faith community, friends and family, and any others within your circle. Contact leda@iowavalleyhabitat.org for more information.
• Join our Interfaith Committee! Members of the committee help plan events and set goals related to the Interfaith Builds, recruit volunteers, and assist with outreach and fundraising efforts. As this committee grows, so too will our impact on not just the Interfaith Builds project, but also other Habitat programs (Helping Hands, Home Buyer Education, etc.) and affordable housing advocacy.
• Other: Want to support the Habitat mission, but are not drawn to any of these ways to be involved? Contact us! Many people volunteer their time in unique ways, based on their interests and skills – we just need to chat to find what works best for you!
 
Office: 319-337-8949
Gabe (Community Outreach and Interfaith Committee): gabe@iowavalleyhabitat.org
Leda (Volunteering): leda@iowavalleyhabitat.org
 
If you would like more information related to our Interfaith Builds and Committee, please contact Gabe (see above). We can give a presentation to your faith community, chat over coffee, or whatever you prefer! The Interfaith Builds project will only continue with the support of many faith communities, including yours.

First Christian Church has been a long-time supporter of affordable housing in our community and has been a wonderful Habitat partner. This year, First Christian chose affordable housing as its ministry focus, and worked closely with our Habitat staff in many ways. First Christian members are on our Interfaith Committee, spend hours and hours on our build site, donate money, and have helped us spread awareness of housing issues and solutions through a housing-focused bible study series and a Habitat vacation bible school. We at Habitat are humbled to call First Christian a member and want to express sincere thanks for your support of Habitat and housing!