Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity news release
(Iowa City, IA) Beginning at 8:00am on Thursday, August 17, volunteers from Iowa City’s West High School volleyball team will join Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity construction staff at 2637 Blazing Star Drive in Iowa City to begin building the Mary Mascher Women Build home. Activities scheduled for the annual Wall Build include site preparation and wall framing.
The Wall Build marks the beginning of construction on the Mary Mascher Women Build project. Each year IVHFH selects a Women Build honoree, who leads the effort to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and support the future homeowner. Honorees are women who demonstrate leadership, passion for Habitat for Humanity’s mission, and dedication to improving the community. This year, recently retired legislator, Mary Mascher, is serving as the Women Build honoree. IVHFH Development Director, Tami Bonnett, explains Ms. Mascher’s involvement, “We are so excited to work with Mary on this project. She is a great advocate for affordable homeownership, believes in serving our community, and is excited to welcome new neighbors to Iowa City’s South District. Mary also worked in the Iowa City Community School District for over 30 years so it seems fitting to have a group of students from West High participate in the kickoff of this build.”
As with all of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity’s homes, upon completion of construction a low-income buyer, defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development as earning less than 80% of the area median income, will purchase the home. This year, a single mother, Nicole, will purchase the home. IVHFH Executive Director, Scott Hawes, describes how Habitat for Humanity serves low-income households, “Many people face significant barriers to homeownership. We remove those barriers by ensuring monthly payments do not leave them burdened, not requiring a down-payment, and securing affordable financing.”
Construction for the Mary Mascher Women Build is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2023. To volunteer or donate to the project, visit: build.iowavalleyhabitat.org or by contacting the office at 319-337-8949.