Women Build to Support its First Repair Project

For more than ten years, members of the Women Build Committee have come together to raise money, swing hammers, and support homeownership for first-time buyers. Because of their can-do attitude and willingness to roll up their sleeves, Women Build has become one of IVHFH's great successes. In addition to assisting in all practical matters related to building a house each year, the women of the committee have long inspired our affiliate and pushed us to discover new ways to support affordable homeownership. And as we grew, the Women Build Committee grew alongside -always demonstrating the values that make Women Build so successful. So when IVHFH staff made a request to this year's committee to sponsor a Helping Hands project, the committee unsurprisingly embraced the challenge and got to work. And because of that work, a woman who was facing the problems that accompany inadequate housing can now bathe safely, get in and out of her house without falling, and perhaps even grow a garden next year. So, to the women of the Women Build Committee, past and present, we say thank you. Thank you for supporting this project. Thank you for inspiring us to be better. Thank you for showing us how far a little grit and determination can take us.

Problem
Homeowner Pam suffers from chronic pain and her bathtub presented a significant hazard. The ledge made entering and exiting dangerous as putting all of her weight on one leg caused her to lose her balance. Also, she had nothing to steady herself with so bathing came with multiple risks.

Helping Hands Solution
We installed a walk-in tub with therapeutic jets and grab bars. Pam can now enter and exit by simply opening the door and stepping in the tub. When she feels unsteady, she can use the grab bars to help her balance. We also installed a removable shower faucet so she can sit down and take a quick shower when she is in a hurry.

Problem
The walkway leading to Pam's front porch was very uneven. The path was especially treacherous at night and during the winter months. These hazards were made even more dangerous by Pam's chronic pain.

Helping Hands Solution
We mudjacked the path to make it level. A concrete patch was then applied to the areas that were still unlevel and/or cracked.

Problem
The back porch was uneven with a large step between the first and second step. Additionally, the rails were not secured well and offered little support. These problems conspired with Pam's health to prevent her from gardening this year.

Helping Hands Solution
Our construction staff turned one large and unsafe step into two smaller, more manageable, steps. Our staff then added secure rails and a short walkway at the bottom. Pam is now excited by the prospect of growing a garden next year.

Do you need affordable home repairs or accessibility modifications? ​
​Email scott@iowavalleyhabitat.org or call 319-337-8949.