Circle Up Breakfast Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Circle Up Breakfast! It was a morning filled with inspiring stories, meaningful connections, and powerful updates on the impact of affordable homeownership.
We were especially moved by Teisha’s story. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but she’s never been afraid of hard work. For seven years, she’s been a Guest Service Leader at Kwik Star—and she also owns and operates her own business, Unique Looks Hair Salon, where she mentors aspiring cosmetologists and barbers through apprenticeships and provides them with workspaces to grow.
Through the homeownership program, Teisha is not only building her home, but also a stronger future for her family and her business. “I look at everything and I see change. I see light,” she shared. Teisha says Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity has become like family and wants others who feel stuck or hopeless to know they’re not alone—and that this program is so much more than just a path to a house.
You can be part of Teisha’s journey—and the journeys of so many others—by supporting affordable homeownership in our community. Donate, volunteer, or learn more at webuildhabitat.org.
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The ReStore's 10 Year Impact
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the ReStore’s 10th Birthday! Over the past decade, we’ve had so much to celebrate — thanks to our amazing customers, donors, and volunteers who make it all possible. You can shop, donate, and volunteer at the ReStore — all of which support our mission at Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.
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We Arose Bike Ride
A ride with purpose! We partnered with We Arose for a fun neighborhood bike ride, touring Iowa Heartland Habitat homes and celebrating community. We visited homes in Walnut, including 337 Almond, and stopped by several of our homes on Florence Street and Oneida Street. It was a great day of connection, community, and seeing the impact of affordable housing in action!
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Contractor with Heart
A big thank you to Iowa Flatworks Concrete Construction for being such an incredible partner! Over the past year, they’ve helped us solve tough concrete challenges on our rehabs and even poured a new parking pad at our ReStore for our trucks.

Beyond their quality work, we appreciate the way they support and celebrate our mission. We are so grateful for this partnership—thank you, Iowa Flatworks Inc.!
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Nominate Us!
Help Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity receive $10,000 this Giving Tuesday! Veridian Credit Union is awarding $50,000 in donations to five nonprofit organizations.

Now through November 9th, you can nominate our organization for a chance to be selected. Your nomination helps us continue building homes, communities, and hope!
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Building Community Together Initiative
Be Part of Something Big: 419 Families. $11.5 Million. 3 Years.
We’ve officially launched Building Community Together—a bold 3-year initiative to raise $11.5 million and expand access to safe, affordable housing while revitalizing neighborhoods across our region.
Thanks to the generosity of early partners, $9.4 million is already committed—but we need you to help finish what we’ve started.
With your support, we’ll serve 419 families by the end of 2027 through:
- New and rehabbed affordable home construction
- Critical repairs and aging-in-place solutions
- Neighborhood revitalization
- Expanded financial coaching and down payment assistance
- A brand-new Homeownership Training Center
| | Jean Kaumans is our ReStore Volunteer of the Month. She has been a dedicated volunteer at the ReStore for seven years! She lends her expertise in household items—everything from décor and antiques to gardening and kitchenware.  | | | Jean enjoyed a career in retail as a cashier at Fareway before becoming a regular volunteer at the ReStore. In her free time, she loves watching Survivor and restoring home décor and antiques. | | | |
Why We Build
Meet Callie, our Program Coordinator! She’s the first point of contact for families interested in our programs—reviewing applications and walking alongside participants through the process.
Her favorite part of the job is attending home dedications, where she sees the impact of Iowa Heartland Habitat firsthand. One mission moment that stands out was watching a survivor of domestic violence transform into a thriving homeowner.
| | If Callie were a tool, she’d be a power drill—steady, strong, and always getting the job done. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and horseback riding. | Construction Volunteer of the Month | |
Thank You for the Support
We want to say a huge thank you to our amazing supporters!
Bill Colwell Ford in Hudson donated $2,000 through their annual Drive 4 Ur Community event. Ford contributed $10 to Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity for every test drive taken on September 8th — that’s 200 test drives in one day! We’re so grateful for their generosity and continued partnership in helping build homes, communities, and hope.
A special shoutout also goes to MidWestOne Bank for their ongoing support of our work in the Walnut Neighborhood. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact right here in our community!
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Denise's Home Repair in Aplington
Denise from Aplington knew something had to change when her husband could no longer safely get in and out of their bathtub. Their main-level bathroom was unsafe, forcing them to use the basement which was dangerous after her husband’s accident.
Her sister-in-law found Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repair Program and encouraged her to apply. Through the program, Iowa Heartland Habitat transformed their bathroom with a walk-in shower, grab bars, new flooring, and fresh paint. “There are no worries of falling now,” Denise said. “It gives us peace of mind. The staff and volunteers were amazing—this experience has truly changed our lives.”
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411 Wellington St.
Mariah's home is complete, and we are so excited to celebrate with her on November 25th.
Her open house will be from 12-1pm and the dedication will be at 4:30-5:00pm.
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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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