You're Invited!
HomeLab is an initiative by Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity that helps people build the skills and confidence to care for their homes. As a hands-on learning space, it offers classes focused on practical home maintenance and prevention, helping participants learn how to identify and address issues early. This supports long-term housing stability and homeownership.
Not only can you attend classes, but you can also rent HomeLab for your next event! This welcoming, versatile space can be reserved in full or by individual rooms to fit your needs. It's perfect for meetings, workshops, trainings, and small gatherings. HomeLab is truly an ideal place where people can come together for connection.
We invite you to join us at HomeLab for the Grand Opening, with more information on classes, registration, and rentals coming soon. We hope you’ll be part of this celebration.
Event Details:
- June 23rd
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Open House: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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Ribbon-Cutting: 4:00 PM
This is a free event, but please RSVP.
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A Gift that Builds Stability
We are grateful to the Iowa Student Financial Aid Association for selecting us as their charity partner at this year’s conference, with proceeds benefiting Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Blueprints Financial Coaching program.
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Through a silent auction and games, they raised $2,605 to support our work.

We deeply appreciate their partnership and commitment to strengthening our community.
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Women Build 2026 Kick Off
We had an incredible time celebrating the kickoff of Women Build 2026 at the Women Build Breakfast!
With 270 attendees, 33 full tables, and the support of 41 amazing sponsors, we’ve already raised $102,225 in cash to help build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, gave generously, and believes in this mission. We can’t wait to see our volunteer teams out on the build sites!
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Wear Your Support
Built by women — and made to wear proudly.
Our limited-edition “Built By Women” crewneck is more than just apparel — it’s a way to support Women Build and the mission behind it.
Not able to volunteer or sponsor this year? Purchasing a crewneck is a meaningful way to still be part of the impact and show your support for the women helping build stronger futures in our community.
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Crewnecks are $70 and available only while supplies last. To purchase, call our office at (319) 235-9946. We accept cash, check, Venmo, or credit card. Pickup at our office only (no delivery available).
Available sizes:
• 15 S/M
• 12 M/L
• 1 XL/XXL
Once they’re gone, they’re gone — purchase yours before they sell out!
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Recognizing Remarkable Volunteers
We were proud to host our first-ever Volunteer Summit, bringing together our construction, ReStore, and board volunteers to learn more about how their time and talents make an impact across our mission.
Throughout the summit, volunteers participated in sessions including Behind the Project: Construction Planning & Scheduling Process, Neighborhoods in Progress: Walnut & Church Row, Programs in Action: Homeownership, Repair, and Blueprints, and How It’s Funded: The Engine Behind the Mission, before closing with a Leadership Q&A and Conversation.
We also enjoyed celebrating everyone at our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers for the dedication, passion, and support you give throughout the year.
Congratulations to our 2026 award winners:
🏆 Board Member of the Year – Steve Sesterhenn
🏆 ReStore Legacy/Volunteer of the Year – Gene Theis
🏆 Construction Marv Heller Legacy Award – Stewart Fluent
We are so grateful for each volunteer who helps build stronger communities and brighter futures.
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Mick Rosenau is our Construction Volunteer of the Month.
He has been a dedicated Monday/Thursday volunteer since 2018. He worked for BK Flooring before retiring and specialized in finish work, cabinetry, kitchen design, and railing systems.
Mick enjoys woodworking and the final touches on projects. He especially loves to volunteer alongside the future homeowners and get to help build their home.
Outside of volunteering, Mick likes camping, flyfishing, pickleball, and spending time in nature with his wife of 56 years.
Thank you, Mick, for all you do!
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Trudy Conner is our ReStore Volunteer of the Month!
She has been a dedicated volunteer for nine years, helping with donation intake, organizing shelves, and greeting every customer with a smile.
After retiring from Sacred
Heart School, she found joy in giving back and volunteering alongside what she calls “the best people ever.”
Outside of volunteering, she enjoys time with her grandchildren and relaxing at her cabin up north.
Thank you, Trudy, for all your hard work at the ReStore!
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The Continued Impact of Microgrants
Microgrants have been helping the Walnut and Church Row neighborhoods grow stronger for several years. Since 2021, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity has partnered with neighborhood groups to offer small grants (up to $500) along with support to help neighbors bring their ideas to life.
What makes this program special is that it’s led by the community. Read more...
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Why We Build
Janon Palmer is our ReStore Senior Donation Ambassador at Iowa Heartland Habitat. In his role, he drives the ReStore truck to pick up donations and bring them back to the store to be resold, while also interacting with donors and customers along the way.
Janon’s favorite part of his job is interacting with people and helping them out.
One mission moment that stands out to him is the opening of the ReStore. He has been there since the very beginning!
| | | If Janon were a tool, he would be a hammer—hardworking and dependable. Thank you, Janon, for all that you do at the ReStore! | | | |
Contractor with Heart
We are so grateful for our continued partnership with Martinson Construction.

Their team consistently brings time, expertise, and resources that help keep our builds moving forward smoothly and on schedule.
With a strong commitment to quality and reliability, they play a key role in helping us build safe, high-quality homes for families in our community.
Thank you, Martinson Construction, for the impact you continue to make!
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Proud Community Partner
Since 2018, TruStage has contributed nearly $600,000 to advance Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s mission, supporting home builds in Waverly and Waterloo, neighborhood revitalization in the Walnut and Church Row neighborhoods, the launch of our Blueprints Financial Coaching program, and key events and initiatives.
Through annual Panel Builds at their Waverly facility, dozens of TruStage employees have rolled up their sleeves to help build wall panels for future homes and turn purpose into action.
Thank you, TruStage, for being a generous and strategic partner creating lasting impact through stable housing.
| | | | Women Build Opening Video - You are a [Her]o! | |
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805 West 5th St., Waterloo, IA 50702
(319) 235-9946
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed
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4107 Hammond Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701
(319) 883-3331
Tuesday-Friday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday and Monday Closed
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