June is National Homeownership Month

June is a special time as we celebrate National Homeownership Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of owning a home and the profound impact it has on families and communities throughout the United States. This month serves as a reminder that part of the American Dream entails owning a home, underscoring the crucial role played by organizations like Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity in making this dream a reality for all.

In a collaborative study with the University of Northern Iowa, we discovered that Iowa Heartland Habitat homeowners experience an immediate wealth increase of $116,000 upon becoming homeowners. Their financial well-being sees a notable boost of 15.8%, while their overall life satisfaction skyrockets by 49%.

When compared to applicants, our homeowners exhibit higher rates of full-time employment, attainment of a 4-year college degree, and increased income levels. They also demonstrate larger savings and retirement accounts, alongside a greater likelihood of maintaining marital stability.

At Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, we are dedicated to building stability, equity, and hope through initiatives centered around homeownership, resilient neighborhoods, and community collaboration. With nearly 15,000 local families cost burdened by their housing and more than 725 people on our homeownership program waiting list - the need is great.

National Homeownership Month serves as an occasion to celebrate the transformative impact of homeownership on families and communities, acknowledge the hurdles many face on their journey to owning a home, and reignite our commitment to assisting families in attaining the stability created through homeownership.

Home Dedications

See Dedication Photos

Women Build 2024

Over the next 6 months, over 250 Women Build volunteers will build 2 entire houses with our special Iowa Heartland Habitat families in Waterloo.

Angela's home has been framed up and the sheathing has been completed on both the first and second floors! We've had teams determined to accomplish their tasks for the day rain or shine. Thanks to you we are on schedule with the building of her home in the Walnut neighborhood.

Shonda's home has the first floor framed and sheathed and work on the 2nd floor is happening this week! We are on schedule with the building of her home in the Church Row neighborhood.

Log on to the Women Build Portal for all the photos of the work being done - you can find them under each of the families photos labeled "Memories" and "Build Photos".

Women Build Portal

Board Member with Heart

As a dedicated board member, Lynette Sorenson plays a vital role at Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity. She finds immense joy in seeing new homeowners' smiles at dedications after their hard work leads to a safe home.

A particularly inspiring moment has been witnessing revitalized neighborhoods through Iowa Heartland Habitat's efforts, opening homeownership paths for families. This motivates Lynette to give her best. Lynette loves Iowa Heartland Habitat's mission and the opportunity it provides for realizing the dream of homeownership.

Her motto, "Everything happens for a Reason", reflects her belief in God's greater plan. Following signs and dreams allow positive things to unfold.

Outside of her role at Iowa Heartland Habitat, Lynette refuels through walking trails by the river, completing projects, and decorating her home.

DONATE TODAY

Thanks to you, our donors, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity positively impacts the economy of our entire community.

As we invest your donations, those dollars ripple across Iowa’s Heartland. And your donation increases sometimes as much as 64% as we put it to work building homes and resilient neighborhoods in Black Hawk, Butler, Bremer, and Buchanan counties.

For every dollar invested by Iowa Heartland Habitat in 2022, $1.64 was injected into our local economy!

We are committed to building, rehabbing and repairing housing to facilitate pride in ownership on a household scale. And we recognize the need for partners and a coordinated strategy with residents, organizations, local officials, and businesses to restore stability on a neighborhood scale, because everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Thank you. Every dollar counts!