IVHFH COMPLETES WOMEN BUILD HOME REPAIR
Through Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Helping Hands repair program, a single-mother in North Liberty has replaced the flooring throughout her home.
 
Homeowner Geri’s son, Tajiri, has severe allergies. As a baby, Tajiri was experiencing hair loss, breathing problems, skin irritations, and more, but it was difficult to determine what was causing his symptoms. At the time, the family had pets in their home, but suspecting an allergy was causing Tajiri’s health problems, Geri removed the pets from their home. Later testing showed Tajiri suffers from several allergies including pet dander. Tajiri continues to struggle and his allergies make it difficult for him to sleep. Even after years of not having pets, the pet dander in the carpet throughout their home and vent/duct system triggers Tajiri’s allergies. Geri says, “If you have a situation where a child has severe allergies and is allergic to the home, what do you do? Not everybody can just move to another home. It really was a no-win situation.”
IVHFH would like to thank Sobaski Abbey Carpet and Floor for their generous sponsorship of this project!
IVHFH MAKES PROGRESS ON DAVE SCHULDT MEMORIAL BUILD
IVHFH and the family and friends of Dave Schuldt kicked off construction of a Habitat home in memory of Dave with a Groundbreaking Ceremony and family build day on April 17. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this such a special day.

Tracie and Reagan have been approved to build and purchase this home in partnership with IVHFH. The couple has two children, Kayleb and Cynthia, and currently rents a two-bedroom apartment. Tracie looks forward to having a permanent home and says, "This means so much to me as a mom and both of us as parents to ensure our kids have a nice home to grow up in. Every kid deserves a bedroom."
COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: CLIFF HAYNES
In March 2021, The Eastern Iowa Chapter of the Red Cross partnered with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity and is working together with the Iowa City Fire Department to help make homes safer in the South District of Iowa City. Through this effort, we have been working with Cliff Haynes, Disaster Program Manager for The Eastern Iowa Chapter of the Red Cross. Read on to learn more about Cliff and the work being done by the Red Cross.
WOMEN BUILD COMMITTEE HOSTING CHRISTINE GRANT RUN/WALK/BUILD WEEK
Many traditions and events have been on hold this past year, and after cancelling all 2020 gatherings, IVHFH wanted to bring back a tradition that is close to the hearts of all Habitat staff and Women Build committee members.

In lieu of an in-person 5K, we are currently hosting the Christine Grant Run/Walk/Build Week.

Though this event may look a bit different this year, we still have the same goals:

  • Honor and recognize Dr. Christine Grant
  • Promote Women Build and the Habitat mission
  • Engage our supporters
  • Raise funds for the construction of the Jane Hagedorn Women Build home and Helping Hands critical home repair project

TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP
IVHFH was proud to work with the South District Neighborhood Association and other community partners last month for the annual Team Up to Clean Up event. Volunteers came together to beautify four different sites including Broadway Street Flowerbeds, Wetherby Park Edible Forest, Grant Wood Elementary School Garden and Sycamore Greenway Trail.

The South District Neighborhood Association would like to encourage those interested in getting involved with the SDNA team to email southdistrictneighborhood@gmail.com. You can also send an email to sign up on the South District resident or ally/community partner email lists!
UPCOMING EVENTS!

  • May 2-9: Christine Grant Run/Walk/Build Week. Run, walk, or do an activity of your choice anytime and place this week! Or volunteer with Habitat. Support the Jane Hagedorn Women Build by raising funds and awareness during this week.
  • May 12: Johnson County Livable Community Housing Action Team Aging in Place Forum. Register here.
  • May Volunteer Shifts: Sign up to volunteer on construction or in the ReStore this month!