ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding, contact [email protected]. For more information on proxy bidding, please see below.

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 eight 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 an excellent place for a vacation! It's a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities. Summer in Keystone is ideal for hiking and biking on the 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 contemplating a vacation stay at Keystone Resort should research the resort's winter activities or summer activities.​​​

**Winners will arrange their stay with the Downs. The condo will NOT be available on the following dates:**

• February 5-18, 2026
• March 4-24, 2026
• ​August 17-September 12, 2026

**Other dates will become unavailable as people make their reservations.**

PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars!

GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.

ABOUT THE HAMMERS AND HARDHATS LIVE AUCTION
This exclusive package will only be available during the live auction at Hammers and Hardhats on September 18. Learn more about our event here. If you can’t attend but would like to set up proxy bidding, contact [email protected]. For more information on proxy bidding, please see below.

Looking for an unforgettable dining experience? Longtime Habitat supporter, former Board member, and exceptional cook Kineret Zabner is opening her kitchen—and her heart—to host the winning bidder and seven friends for an authentic Venezuelan feast.

Guests can choose to gather at Kineret’s beautiful Chauncey Building home in downtown Iowa City, complete with spectacular views, or have the meal delivered to their own table for a private dinner party without the cooking. Either way, you’ll enjoy unmatched hospitality, fantastic food, and warm conversation in great company.
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The menu includes a fresh salad starter, followed by a traditional spread of pulled beef, rice, black beans, and fried plantains, all topped off with a decadent dessert of coconut flan and berries. A truly special evening you won’t want to miss!

*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. 

Can't join us on September 18? No problem!
PROXY BIDDING: As you discuss the fantastic lineup of live auction items with friends, consider letting those who cannot attend know about the option to bid via proxy. A proxy bidder can be made available to bid on your behalf. The donor provides the maximum dollar amount they are willing to spend on a specific auction package, and the proxy will bid for you! Also, consider phoning a guest in at the event so they can join in the fun and get in on the bidding wars!

GROUP PACKAGE ITEM PAYMENTS: If you are considering going in on a live package with friends who are not in attendance or even uncertain who your guests might be for one of the party packages, don't hesitate to bid! Email [email protected] or discuss options with IVHFH staff to split payments with friends after the event.

In 2015, Mohamed and Shaza made a life-changing decision: they left Sudan through the Diversity Visa program in search of a better life for their growing family. After a brief stay in Florida, they settled in Iowa City, drawn by a strong Sudanese community and the promise of a safer, more stable future. 
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Mohamed, a former engineer in Sudan, quickly began working to support his family. Today, he works as a machine operator at a local factory, often switching between first and second shifts and working long hours of overtime.
Meanwhile, Shaza, who recently completed her studies to become a dental assistant, is at home most days of the week managing the needs of their four children—Logian, Mustafa, Dania, and Leen. With Mohamed’s rotating schedule, the rhythm of family life is constantly shifting. “When he's working first shift, I have to wake up at four something,” says Shaza. “And when he works second shift, they have to be up until 11 or 12 at night until he comes back from work.” 

Despite these challenges, the family maintains a deep sense of community and cultural pride. The Sudanese community has been a vital source of support. “If something happened, like anyone lost one of his family, everyone supports them,” Mohamed shares. “Even the people you don't know, you’ve never met them before.” Shaza adds, “If we need them, we will find them.” 

The family's current apartment in Coralville has been home since 2018. It’s safe and close to the children’s schools, but the space is cramped—especially for a growing family. “The kids need more space,” Mohamed says. “[Our oldest] needs her own space. She wants to have play dates with her friends, but you couldn’t do that here.” Shaza adds simply, “More space. We need more space.”

For Mohamed and Shaza, owning a home represents far more than a roof over their heads—it is the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. “Finally, the dream of owning a home will become true,” Mohamed says. It’s also an investment in their children’s future. “My goal was safety. And good schools. This is my investment in my kids. I want to send them on the right track. Invest in them better so they can do better. They say the kids are affected positively or negatively by their surroundings, so this is a very important thing,” Mohamed shares.
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For this family, a Habitat home means play dates, outdoor barbecues, space for schoolwork, quiet for sleep, and a secure neighborhood where their children can thrive. “It is really amazing, especially for the people who have kids, a family, young kids. Something to give them a stable area, a stable life.” 

Their story is one of perseverance, community, and hope. “Thank you so much. We appreciate all the help you’ve done for us,” Mohamed says. “I’m investing in my kids. I need at least to have something for them for the future. It’s not a month, or two years—it’s something for the future.”

At Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, our mission goes beyond building new homes—we are equally committed to preserving the safety and independence of homeowners through our Helping Hands home repair program. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Billie Townsend Women Build committee, we’re able to do both. 

In addition to raising funds for the construction of the Billie Townsend Women Build home, the Women Build committee generously raised additional support for a critical home repair project that will allow a homeowner to remain safely in his longtime residence. 

Homeowner Jonathan who has spina bifida and other health complications, has experienced growing challenges living alone, especially after the recent passing of his mother. The home, built in the early 1900s, has steep stairs, drafty doors, and other issues that pose serious safety concerns. 
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The primary concern is accessibility. The back entrance, currently the primary way in and out, includes three narrow steps without a grab bar or secure handrail. The sidewalk leading to the door is narrow, uneven, and slopes downward posing a fall risk. 

IVHFH’s Helping Hands staff plan to construct a wooden ramp that will provide safe, reliable access to the home. They will also replace the original front door, which no longer locks securely or keeps out the cold. Since Jonathan has relocated his bedroom to the front room on the main floor (due to difficulty accessing the second level), this drafty, deteriorated entryway has become a daily concern. A new, insulated door will reduce drafts while making the home secure. 
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This project is more than a repair--it’s a lifeline. Thanks to the generous donors who contributed to the Billie Townsend Women Build! With your support our neighbors like Jonathan can age in place, live with independence, and stay safely in their homes.

Do you or someone you know need help with home repairs? Contact Aaron at [email protected] or 319-337-8949. Learn more about the Helping Hands home repair program here.​

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! 

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.

by Christie Cellman, IVHFH AmeriCorps member
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Saturday, July 27th marked the Billie Townsend Women Build Groundbreaking Ceremony and Frame-A-Thon events hosted by Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Dozens of individuals, families, and organizational leaders gathered to celebrate as the crew broke ground on Nagi and Raddiya’s future home, and everyone transitioned to the Habitat warehouse to decorate the 2x4 studs that will frame their family’s living space.

​As both an AmeriCorps representative and a community member, it was inspiring to see our people rally around Nagi and Raddiya’s family. Folx from different races, religions, abilities, and life experiences came together in celebration and it was absolutely electric.

There were no politics, no squabbles, no uncertainty—just love.

As I decorated a stud alongside my daughter, surrounded by conversation, laughter, and the pitter-patter of children’s feet against the cement, I reflected on my own experience with Habitat and how they afforded me the freedom of accessibility through their Helping Hands program.

I was trapped in my home, segregated from my community due to physical disability, and Habitat built a ramp, allowing me to make budget-friendly payments for materials. This act of kindness afforded me the ability to attend and earn three degrees, and so much more. I say this not to detract from Nagi and Raddiya’s experience, but to drive home the
fact that these “hands up” for affordable and accessible housing have enormous impacts – socially, economically, and generationally.

As my fiancé captured some of the event’s most candid moments, I recognized that we weren’t just preparing to frame Nagi and Raddiya’s home but also their future. This experience means more than shelter, it means potential. It means wealth accumulation and security for their children and future generations as well. As they make memories surrounded by the messages of love, blessings, and encouragement hidden behind their walls, they will be an example of what can be possible when communities unite for a purpose greater than themselves.

Download the document for more information about becoming a Women Build sponsor!

Women Build brings together women to help Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity create affordable housing solutions in the community. While the program does not exclude men, its primary objective is to foster a supportive environment for women to learn about and engage in construction. As honoree of the 2024 Women Build, Billie Townsend will lead a committee of women to raise $55,000 in local donations and recruit volunteers to help a local family build an affordable home and to help an existing homeowner make affordable repairs or accessibility modifications to their home.

Committing to Women Build as a project sponsor is an excellent opportunity for you to provide your team with a meaningful way to directly serve our neighbors in need of affordable housing while publicly demonstrating a cause and partnership in which you invest time and resources. In 2023, Women Build involved hundreds of volunteers, donors, and event attendees. Through IVHFH’s marketing efforts, thousands of individuals were reached through social media. Partnerships are crucial to building a strong and thriving community—sponsor Women Build and become a Habitat Partner.

*Your sponsorship will be used to build the Billie Townsend Women Build Home and complete the Women Build Helping Hands Home Repair project. To learn more about Billie Townsend and Women Build, visit bit.ly/billietownsendwb

​Special note: Construction of the Billie Townsend Women Build home will take place from August to December 2024. For more information on volunteering and to discuss donations/sponsorship, contact Tami at [email protected] or 319-519-6121.

Billie Townsend and the Women Build committee invite you to join them in July for a month filled with events to raise funds and engage the community in Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's 14th Women Build project. Check out this lineup of events—there are activities for people of all ages to get involved!

Can't attend our events but still want to show your support? Make a donation to support the Billie Townsend Women Build project! 
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Get ready for your next outdoor party or Hawkeye tailgate! This awesome wheelbarrow is filled to the brim with all the goodies you need - chips, dips, salsa, snacks, alcohol and drink mixes, beer, wine, and more! And thanks to Scheels, we even have a Solo Stove table firepit and mini oak firewood to make some delicious s'mores. The firepit is super cool with its Dual Fuel capability and Signature 360° Airflow, making it a breeze to ignite and enjoy a smokeless fire. Plus, Scheels also included a Yeti brand mug and wine tumbler to keep your drinks nice and chilly. And don't forget your Eddie Bauer insulated cooler from GreenState Credit Union which is already full of some of your favorite Big Grove brews. Oh, and your friends are sure to have a blast playing a giant outdoor game of Giant Jumbling Tower (think Jenga!). So, grab a drink, gather your friends, and let's have an amazing time outdoors!

The best part—you can wheel it all away in a Kobalt wheelbarrow donated by Lowe's!
Want to learn more about the Solo Stove table firepit? Check out this link.
You should also take a look at the specs for the Kobalt wheelbarrow! IVHFH construction staff can't recommend a better quality wheelbarrow! 

Package includes:

• Kobalt wheelbarrow, Giant Jumbling Tower outdoor game, Eddie Bauer insulated cooler, Solo Stove, Mesa XL tabletop firepit, Box of mini oak firewood.
• Loads of swag from Big Grove Brewery including koozies, stickers, chapsticks.
• Big Grove beers including one 6 pack of Easy Eddy, two 6 packs of Citrus Surfer, one 6 pack of Greener State of Mind beer. One 6 pack of Dos Equis beer, one 6 pack of Stella Artois beer, one 8 pack of vodka sparkling sodas.
• One bottle of prosecco, one 1.75 liter bottle of vodka, margarita mix, Bloody Mary mix, and one 6 pack of Fireball.
• One 12 pack of pepsi and a box of Capri Sun juice packs.
• Large bags of chips, snack bags of chips, jars of salsa, jar of chip dip, microwave popcorn, big box of fruit snacks, bag of shelled peanuts, and five big bags of candy.