• Home
  • About Habitat
    • Who We Are
    • Why Housing Matters
    • Programs >
      • Homeownership
      • Helping Hands
      • ReStore
      • Global Builds
      • Women Build
    • 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
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
    • Criteria and Application
    • Homeownership FAQs
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • News
    • Affordable Housing Bible Study
    • Outreach Resources
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
  • Home
  • About Habitat
    • Who We Are
    • Why Housing Matters
    • Programs >
      • Homeownership
      • Helping Hands
      • ReStore
      • Global Builds
      • Women Build
    • 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
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
    • Criteria and Application
    • Homeownership FAQs
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • News
    • Affordable Housing Bible Study
    • Outreach Resources




​
​habitat
​news

Construction Updates December 2024

12/17/2024

 
Picture
You haven't missed a Dedication Ceremony! We know you have been anxiously awaiting a date to celebrate the completion of our three new home homes in Iowa City—you will have to wait a bit longer as we anticipate completion closer to late winter or early spring. We thank you for your patience and invite you to help us keep to our timeline by signing up to volunteer and/or sharing our volunteer opportunities with families and friends! 

​William "D'Grouch" Laubengayer Memorial Build

With drywall installed, flooring will soon be placed throughout the home in the coming weeks. Like all IVHFH homes, the walls of the William "D'Grouch" Laubengayer Memorial Build have been filled with spray foam insulation, thanks to a Climate Action Grant from the City of Iowa City. Spray foam insulation creates a tight home that prevents air leakage. Be sure to watch our newly released informational video created by Iowa City's production team which highlights many of the green building techniques we use when building Habitat homes.

Billie Townsend Women Build

Picture
The IVHFH crew and volunteers have nearly completed installing siding at the Billie Townsend Women Build home! Interior work continues, allowing volunteers and staff to make progress despite recent frigid temperatures. Join us for a volunteer shift to help Nagi, Raddiya, and their children settle into their new home sooner!

Hawkeye Women's Basketball Courtside Experience-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/13/2024

 
Picture
​ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

This is an opportunity for our Hawkeye fans to get a one-of-a-kind view of Iowa Women’s Hoops. With this package, one lucky bidder and three of their friends will work with the Hawkeye staff to schedule a day when they get four court-side tickets, four t-shirts, and a pre-game tour of the Carver-Hawkeye arena. Where else can you get a behind-the-scenes look as players, coaches, and staff prepare for a game? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to miss.
Package includes
  • 4 courtside tickets to a 2024-2025 game*
  • 4 Hawkeye t-shirts
  • Pre-game tour of Carver-Hawkeye Arena
*Winner will work with WBB staff to select a game that is subject to availability.

Picture
Picture
Picture

Friends Who Cook Cocktail Party for 8-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/13/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

Do you have friends who love sampling new dishes and drinks while meeting new people? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you! Join the legendary Friends Who Cook—a dynamic group of culinary enthusiasts known for their unforgettable gatherings and fantastic food.

MEET YOUR HOSTS
Friends who cook are a group of friends who excel at creating memorable experiences. With a passion for cooking and a commitment to community support, their parties are always infused with fun and flavor.

FROM THE HOSTS
The Friends Who Cook are offering up one of their spectacular cocktail parties for 8! This party will happen at a mutually agreeable date and time between now and May 15, 2025. The Friends Who Cook typically start with a signature cocktail and then serve around a dozen small plates paired with wine. They serve them in something akin to the order of dinner. And they DO recommend you don’t eat dinner before you come to the party! Guests will start the party with a signature cocktail or a chance to roll the Cocktail Dice to pick their drink. Some of the small plates the Friends have planned for this party are blue cheese, walnut and port wine pate with toasts; truffle honeyed Tete de Moine (cheese) on crisps; tiny pork tenderloin street tacos with orange chipotle; Korean steak cucumber bites with gochujang vinaigrette; chicken parmesan meatballs; mini–Boston Cream Pies, and many more. It will be a party to remember!

*The winner will schedule their meal in advance with Friends Who Cook sometime between Fall 2024 and May 2025. Dates are subject to Friends Who Cook's availability.

Picture
Picture

Swanson Spring Fling for 16-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/13/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

This is an exclusive opportunity to party with the Swanson quartet! The Swanson Spring Fling will be held at an exclusive Iowa City venue. It will feature live music, renowned Iowa City residents as hosts, and libations, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert! This soiree is open to 16 guests, so go in with friends to purchase this unique and exclusive party!

WHAT: A party for 16 with live music hosted by Alan and Liz Swanson and Chuck and Kim Swanson. Guests will enjoy libations and catered hors d’oeuvres and desserts while listening to piano improvisations by Alan Swanson.

WHEN: Thursday, April 17, in the evening around 4:30-6:30 pm

WHERE: Iowa City’s Chauncey Building in the 12th-floor home of Alan and Liz Swanson. Their home overlooks downtown through walls of glass.

WHO:
Sixteen guests are welcome to attend. Hosts must know the attendance number by April 1.
The hosts say, "We look forward to welcoming our guests to this event to support Habitat for Humanity and the Billie Townsend Women Build!"

ABOUT THE HOSTS
Our hosts are long-term Iowa Citians who have had long tenures in their professions and contributed to the successes of several prestigious departments at the University of Iowa. Perhaps more impressive are their contributions to making the Iowa City community a better place where everyone can thrive.

SPECIAL THANKS!
Did you know Alan Swanson has been involved in our Hammers and Hardhats event for nearly 15 years? Alan, thank you for making the event warm, inviting, and successful!
​
We especially want to thank Liz Swanson of IVHFH’s Women Build Committee for her time supporting Habitat’s mission. While she is not hosting this Spring Fling alone, we know she has dedicated the same time and talent to coordinating this spectacular auction package as she does to the countless service initiatives with which she is involved throughout our community. Thank you, Liz!

Thank you, Chuck and Kim Swanson, for joining Alan and Liz in hosting this fantastic event to support the Habitat mission! We are grateful for all you do for non-profits in the Iowa City area!

Picture
Picture
Picture

Pie for a Year-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/13/2024

 
Picture
Do you know what’s better than pie for a day? PIES FOR A YEAR!
Karin Franklin will bake you a fresh pie of your choice. The winner will consult with Karin and pick a delectable flavor each month for the next year. Karin offers many different flavors and types of pie, and she has even mastered a delicious gluten-free option!
*Arrange to pick up from Karin in Iowa City.
**While Karin prepares many varieties and types of pies, some flavors may not be available. Timing and flavor choice must be agreed upon with Karin.

Picture
Picture

Old Man Band Performance-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/13/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

Looking for the perfect entertainment for your next get-together? The Old Man Band will perform live at your next party. Dance and sing along to your favorite songs as the Old Man Band makes your next party a memorable one. Bid now and schedule later!

The band brings all the equipment they need. The only thing they need from the event hosts is an electrical outlet!

*Date and times are subject to availability. The winner will work with the band to select a date when Old Man Band is available.
​
Check out this link to the Old Man Band Demo! Enjoy! YouTube.com/oldmanbandrocks

Old Man Band has been bringing their good-time music to fans in east central Iowa since 2018. Audiences can’t help but smile and tap their toes to classic rock, country, and pop songs they recognize and love. The bandmembers’ comfortable banter with each other and the audience just adds to the fun. “It’s ear candy” in the words of one eloquent fan.

-“You guys are always so much fun! We definitely want you back next year! Put it on your calendar!”
Jackie Bailey, Courage Ride Founder

-“They always fill the tent and the crowd stays until the very end.”
Nancy Roth, Kalona Fall Festival Organizer

​-Follow our facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/OldManBandRocks

Picture

Hawkeye Women's Basketball Ultimate Fan Experience-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/12/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

This is an opportunity for our Hawkeye fans to get a one-of-a-kind view of Iowa Women’s Hoops. With this package, one lucky bidder and three of their friends will work with the Hawkeye staff to schedule a day when they get four court-side tickets, four t-shirts, and a pre-game tour of the Carver-Hawkeye arena. Where else can you get a behind-the-scenes look as players, coaches, and staff prepare for a game? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t afford to miss.
​
Package includes:
  • 4 courtside tickets to a 2024-2025 game*
  • 4 Hawkeye t-shirts
  • Pre-game tour of Carver-Hawkeye Arena
*Winner will work with WBB staff to select a game that is subject to availability.

Kineret's Venezuelan Cuisine-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/12/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

Want an opportunity to experience unmatched hospitality? Long-time Habitat supporter, former member of the Board of Directors, and fantastic cook Kineret Zabner is inviting the winning bidder—and seven friends—to enjoy authentic Venezuelan cuisine at her home. Want to have people over to your house but don't feel like cooking? No problem! Kineret can deliver, but why would you want to miss out on an opportunity to enjoy a meal with a spectacular view from the Chauncy Building in downtown Iowa City?! Whatever your preference, don't miss this chance to enjoy a leisurely evening of fantastic food, great conversation, and even better company!
​
The meal includes a big salad for appetizer, pulled beef, rice, black beans, and fried plantains for dinner, and coconut flan and berries for dessert. 

*The winner will schedule their meal in advance with Kineret. Dates are subject to Kineret's availability. A delivered meal must be in the Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty area. 

Picture
Picture

Weeklong Stay in Keystone, Colorado-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/12/2024

 
Picture
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

Long-time Habitat supporters Jan and Jim Down have generously donated a week-long stay at their two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Keystone, Colorado.

Located near all the conveniences, it also offers a wood-burning fireplace, Wi-Fi access, and a nearby pool. It can easily accommodate 8 guests. *See blackout dates below.*

​This cozy home features:
  • Wood-burning fireplace
  • Deck
  • Fully-equipped kitchen
  • Wi-fi and cable TV
  • Washer and dryer
  • Ski locker
  • Linens and towels
  • Nearby grocery store and bus stop
  • Big Ten network is available in the condo
  • All buildings including decks are non-smoking both inside and out.

New to Keystone?! Keystone is a great place for a vacation! It's a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities. Summer in Keystone is perfect for hiking and biking mountain trails. Enjoy year-round entertainment and shopping in Keystone Village.

Winners of this vacation stay can consider many exciting activities as they plan their stay:
  • Skiing, snowboarding, or sledding on snow-packed trails
  • A moonlit gondola trip and dining atop North Peak
  • Hiking, biking, canoeing, music, and food festivals in the summer
  • Easy access to golf and horseback riding
  • Swimming pool in an adjacent building
  • Nearby tennis courts
  • So much more! Those who are contemplating this vacation stay should research Keystone Resort Winter Activities or Keystone Resort Summer Activities​​​

*Winners will arrange their stay with the Downs. The condo will NOT be available the following dates**:
  • December 18-23, 2024
  • February 23-March 29, 2025
  • August 14-September 20, 2025
**Other dates will become unavailable as people make their reservations.**

Hotel Retlaw Stay in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin-HAMMERS & HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION

10/12/2024

 
Picture
“Life is good, especially when you have a classic hotel to live it in.”
 
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

​Don't miss out on a vacation stay at one of the most historic—and breathtaking—hotels in Wisconsin! This one-of-a-kind hotel is in Fond du Lac, endearingly known as Fondy! The award-winning hotel design features a lobby decorated in vintage fashion, with crystal chandeliers, porcelain-tiled floors, and black and white panels adorning the pillars and doors. “Hotel Retlaw has been restored to its former historical significance with a remarkable renovation completed in 2019. While the hallmark aesthetics of our property remain, contemporary elements can be found throughout, including stylish and unique décor.” -Hotel Retlaw website

You might be asking, what is Retlaw?! The hotel’s beloved original owner was Walter Schroeder—Walter spelled backward? Yep! It’s Retlaw!
 
This package includes:
  • A two-night stay at Hotel Retlaw in a suite of your choice. You can split the stays over two different weekends or consider bringing friends on your vacation!
  • $50 gift certificate to use at Hotel Retlaw's Table One or One Main restaurants.
  • *Certificates expire 10/1/25
  • **Dates must be scheduled with the hotel and subject to availability and cannot be used on blackout dates: EAA Airventure Weekend, Road America, and New Year's Eve).
  • ***Choice of suite is subject to availability.

To celebrate your auction win you can go home and start packing with two luxury Hotel Retlaw robes.

You might be bidding on this one-of-a-kind hotel, but Fond du Lac will not let you down! Guests also enjoy easy access to the best things to do in downtown Fond du Lac from the hotel. Visit, shop, play, and dine along the scenic east shore of Lake Winnebago. From Fond du Lac to Sherwood, find unique gifts and art, salons and spas, restaurants, and cafes, boating and golfing, parks, orchards and farms. There are always great things to do in Fondy!
​
Hotel Retlaw History (taken from the hotel's website):
Since the hotel’s opening in 1923, Walter Schroeder (the original owner of the hotel) had a vision to create the Hotel Retlaw as one of the finest hotels in the State of Wisconsin. The eight-story neoclassical hotel in red brick with its cornice and façade detailing shows the attention to detail that was not overlooked in buildings of the era. It’s no coincidence that the name Retlaw, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is his first name backward.
While little has changed on the exterior of the hotel over the past 90 years, the interior has undergone several transformations. The original hotel had 265 guestrooms, which was later reduced to 138. In our current design, we have 121 guestrooms, suites, and residential suites.
The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. This is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Hotel Retlaw stands today as one of the most richly historic hotels in Wisconsin.

Learn more about Hotel Retlaw: https://www.thehotelretlaw.com/
ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This package is exclusively available for bidding in a live auction, Hammers and Hardhats, on October 17, 2024. More information and ticket purchases can be found at bit.ly/hammersandhardhats. If you can't attend but would like to discuss proxy bidding for this item, contact [email protected].

<<Previous
    SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!

    Categories

    All
    Community Partner Spotlight
    ERMAR
    Financial Literacy & Homeowner Education
    Helping Hands
    Interfaith Builds
    Live Auction
    South District
    Women Build

    HABITAT VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTERS
    ​​​​May 2025​
    April 2025

    March 2025
    February 2025
    HABITAT NEWSLETTERS
    December 2024
    November 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    ​April 2024
    ​March 2024
Picture
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 [email protected]


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
  • Home
  • About Habitat
    • Who We Are
    • Why Housing Matters
    • Programs >
      • Homeownership
      • Helping Hands
      • ReStore
      • Global Builds
      • Women Build
    • 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
      • Habtamu & Ebsitu
      • Hatim & Sayeda
      • Mulumeoderwa & Mwangaza
      • Nasr & Rasha
    • Criteria and Application
    • Homeownership FAQs
  • Events
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Employment Opportunities
    • News
    • Affordable Housing Bible Study
    • Outreach Resources