In a year when nothing has been normal, Fiston and Nadege were disappointed, but not surprised, to hear the home they had been preparing to build would have to wait until 2021. Fortunately, an unlikely opportunity came about; now their family of four will move into a Habitat home just in time to welcome a new baby in January. The family is working with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity to renovate an Iowa City home and is scheduled to complete construction by December.

Fiston and Nadge are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and came to the US through the Diversity Visa program. They have a daughter, Fistina, a son, James, and are expecting their third child. Fistina says, "Thank you to everyone who is building our house. They make us feel welcome in our community."

We’re still building! While COVID-19 has certainly changed the way we operate, IVHFH is still working with volunteers. Currently we are rehabbing a 5-bedroom home on Nevada Avenue in Iowa City. In our efforts to keep our volunteers safe and healthy, we have limited the total number of volunteers at any given time to 6 so that we are able to maintain social distancing while we work. All staff and volunteers will be required to wear a mask or face covering, and we are monitoring the temperatures of everyone on site as well. Volunteer opportunities are available Thursday through Saturday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Visit our website to sign up, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Leda Rouse, for more information at leda@iowavalleyhabitat.org. ReStore volunteer opportunities are also available.

The Community Foundation of Johnson County recently awarded Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity a generous grant to support our newly launched Emergency Repair and Major Appliance Replacement (ERMAR) program. The award was funded by 5224GOOD, the Karen Terra Endowment Fund, and CFJC. Thank you to these supporters!

With the holidays approaching, we wanted to remind you that when you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Support us every time you shop! Follow this link to set IVHFH up as your designated charity!

Locals Love Us is collecting votes to let Iowa City locals know about the best businesses in town! We need your help again this year to make it to the top spot! Non-profits ranked highest in our community win free digital and print marketing through LLU and have a chance to win a $1,000 cash contribution. You can cast a vote for BOTH the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity non-profit AND the Iowa City ReStore by November 23!