 HomeBrewed, Home Renewed was a memorable night of music, community, and shared commitment to Habitat's mission. The support raised during the evening will directly strengthen our Helping Hands home repair program, helping homeowners remain safe, stable, and independent in the homes they already love.
Most importantly, thank you to the HomeBrewed, Home Renewed planning committee, whose time, creativity, and commitment made this event possible: Pete Damiano and Kirk Phillips (HomeBrewed); Karyl Bohnsack (Two Rivers Bank & Trust); Megan Petkewec (TruArt Color Graphics); Denise Schmitz (Neumann Monson Architects); Andrew Ballard (Studio Combine); Sammi deNeui (Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity); Pete Becker and the entire ReUnion Brewery, Iowa City team. Support for HomeBrewed, Home Renewed continues. You can still help advance our Helping Hands work through donations and by spreading word about the critical need for affordable home repairs across our communities. Together, we build belonging! Donate today!
Join us on Saturday, December 20th at 9:00am for our Women Dedication Ceremony for Wai Yin Chan and Linda "Digger" Barrow! The address is 708 9th Avenue, Coralville, Iowa. Can't make it? Check out video below to get a tour of the home! Our December Construction Tool of the Month is, in IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann's terms, the Springy Nail Set. This is one of the main tools used on the IVHFH construction site to help construction volunteers nail trim work on the inside of the home. Chris explains what a springy nail set is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what he has to say! What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Springy Nail Set is primarily used on the site for both interior and exterior work as volunteers install trim, soffit, and fascia. Occasionally, when using an air gun to install trim, the nails may not fully embed. The Springy Nail Set is beneficial for volunteers who may be a little nervous when using a hammer, as they could accidentally strike the fascia too forcefully and dent it. This tool helps drive the nail into the final place to create a smooth surface without denting the material.  Meet Isaac Brandt, a CORE volunteer with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's construction team. Isaac is one of the newest members of our CORE construction volunteers, and we are so glad that he volunteers with us! We recently caught up with Isaac to chat about his experience volunteering with our organization. What year did you start volunteering with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity? 2024, I was lacking purpose on weekends and wanted to use the skillset I’ve worked hard to achieve to do something greater than myself. I have a friend who works for Waco Habitat in Texas named Jose, and his videos of the work they do was a large inspiration to show up. What is your favorite memory with IVHFH? Sheeting the second-story floor of the Grouch house with an awesome group of med students. We got the entire level decked by the end of the day. What drives you to continue to volunteer with IVHFH? The families and Habitat team. The field and office personnel make me feel like family. Seeing the families that will move into the house is the largest reason, the gratitude they express and willingness to learn is something that is rare in the trades. If you could give advice to any new volunteers or individuals who are on the fence about volunteering, what would you tell them? Take the leap and show up! They have the tools and experience if you have none and will always be kind and constructive. It’s not a breakneck pace to make a dollar; it’s an educative experience and fun days outside swinging hammers or setting casework in a warm kitchen in the winter. Is there anything else you would like to share? We couldn’t do what we do on the build sites without the ReStore volunteers and Habitat office team and board. We may drive the nails and raise the walls, but every member and volunteer that procures funding, applies for permits, manages the volunteer schedule, plans events; there is not one insignificant role, and it’s an organization I’m proud to do my part in to make the world around me a better place. Thank you, Isaac, for all of your hard work and dedication to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity! We are so thankful for the countless hours you have dedicated to our organization, whether it is on the build site or being an advocate in the community as shown in the video below.
 Meet Gerry Stebbins, a CORE volunteer with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s construction team. Gerry has been a great addition to our CORE volunteers, and we are so glad that he volunteers with us! We recently caught up with Gerry to discuss his experience volunteering with our organization. What year did you start volunteering with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity? I have been a Habitat volunteer since 1990, in the Iowa Quad Cities. In fact, I was on the original Board of Directors who incorporated the Quad Cities affiliate. When I retired from John Deere in 2016, we relocated to our current home in West Branch. I actually spent the summer of 2017 commuting back and forth to Moline, IL, to work on the 100th home build by the Quad Cities affiliate. So, I didn’t start volunteering locally until the spring of 2018, working on the renovation of a home in Coralville, out by the mall. What is your favorite memory with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity? I do not have any particular “favorite” memory. Rather, I enjoy a recurring sense of accomplishment that comes from the completion of a project or any given part of a project. What drives you to continue to volunteer with us? I have always liked working with my hands. In part as an antidote to my professional life, which was mainly administrative work. I like to stand back at the end of a work session, look at what has been accomplished, and say, “I built that.” Not surprisingly, my other interest involves building construction, though on a slightly different “scale”. (Pun intended, I am a member of the local model railroad club.) That feeling, as well as the good people I work with, is what keeps me coming back. Thank you, Gerry, for all of your hard work and dedication to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity! We are so thankful for the countless hours you have devoted to Habitat for Humanity through our affiliate and in the Quad Cities!
Our November Construction Tool of the Month is the Aluminum Shear, one of the main tools used on the IVHFH construction site during soffit and fascia installation. IVHFH Construction Manager Chris Weckmann explains what an aluminum shear is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what he has to say! What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Aluminum Shear is primarily used to cut aluminum for installing soffit and fascia on a home’s roof. This tool is handy for slicing through aluminum, thanks to its two wheels that cut effectively. It allows both straight and curved cuts and can even make cuts at 90 degrees. Additionally, it produces no metal dust and does not crinkle the metal. Compared to a saw, the aluminum shear operates quietly.  At Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, not all Habitat heroes wear hard hats. While we love seeing volunteers on our build sites, swinging hammers is just one of the countless ways to make a difference. Your time, skills, and expertise—no matter what they are—can become powerful tools in building safe, affordable homes with our neighbors.
A shining example of this broad spirit of giving is Lepic Kroeger Realtors (LKR). In addition to contributing time and money as a Team Build Partner every build season, their team has stepped up in creative and impactful ways, expanding our capacity far beyond the construction site. Here are just a few of the unique and powerful ways LKR has supported IVHFH:
We are deeply grateful to Lepic Kroeger Realtors for going above and beyond to strengthen our community. Their generosity proves that every skill and every hour can make a tangible difference. Whether you’re a marketing professional, photographer, tradesperson, or someone with a heart to help, there’s a place for you at Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. You’re always welcome to swing a hammer—but if your gifts look different, we can’t wait to find the perfect way for you to share them. Email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved! Our October Construction Tool of the Month is the Siding Jig, one of the main tools utilized on the IVHFH construction site when installing siding. IVHFH Construction Manager, Christy Shipley, explains what the siding jig is and its use on the construction site. Watch the video below to hear what she has to say! What does Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity use this tool for?
The Siding Jig is primarily used when siding is needed to be cut long, straight, and repeatedly with a circular saw. It can be made from metal, wood, or any material the builder chooses. The jig itself allows you to place the siding in the position and to a mark that you have predetermined your length to be. The two guides on the jig always allows the saw to move across the marked spot. This tool provides a professional finish, making it possible for the siding to be visible on the front if necessary.
 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. Get ready for outdoor fun like never before! This jam-packed package includes everything you need for s'mores and more—graham crackers, marshmallows, premier chocolates, gourmet cookies, and even popcorn to snack on while the treats roast. Two portable firepits and roasting skewers make setup a breeze, whether in your backyard or at your next Hawkeye tailgate. And it's all wrapped up in a beautiful, large woven basket with matching hand towels. To keep things cozy, you'll receive two soft fleece blankets featuring the Foundation for the Trades logo, plus heavy-duty plates and mugs perfect for burgers, hot dogs, or hot cocoa during chilly morning games. A collapsible wagon makes hauling it all easy, and a collapsible camp table with cup holders and an insulated cooler ensures you have the perfect spot for your drinks and food. And that's not all! Thanks to the generosity of Scheels, this package also includes the original BucketGolf game with two right-hand clubs—a fun, portable twist on golf that's perfect for all ages and skill levels. Package Includes:
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.
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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. |
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. |
