By Paige Beck, Marketing Coordinator for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity
For 35 years, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity has been building more than homes — they’ve been building community. By bringing people together across Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, and Buchanan counties, they have helped create safe, affordable housing and lasting hope for hundreds of families.
Since its founding in 1990, Iowa Heartland Habitat has served more than 500 families — a milestone made possible through the dedication of partner families, volunteers, donors, and community supporters. Together, we build community.
Executive Director Ali Parrish expressed deep gratitude, saying, “We simply could not have accomplished all that we have without the unwavering support of our community. I extend my deepest thanks to every partner family, volunteer, donor, and community partner who has made this work possible.”
As part of its 10-year vision, Iowa Heartland Habitat aims to serve 2,500 more families, empower thriving neighborhoods, and create lasting value for generations to come.
One of the families currently on that path is the Rucker family of Waterloo. In 2020, Shy Rucker made a decision that would change everything: she applied for a home through Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.
Her family of five had been living in a cramped rental space with frozen pipes during the winter, limited storage, and no yard for the children to play in. Her sons share a room so small it can’t fit two beds and dressers. And the cost of rent makes the situation even harder. “It doesn’t feel like home there,” Shy said.
Now, her children are dreaming big: decorating their own rooms, adopting a family dog, and most of all — having a place they can finally call their forever home. Shy said, “You get to call somewhere a home—and that is so worth it.”
To help more families like the Ruckers, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity continues to expand its offerings through three core programs:
- Homeownership Program – Partners with low to moderate-income individuals and families to purchase safe, affordable homes.
- Critical Home Repair Program – Assists with essential home repairs, including weatherization and accessibility modifications, helping residents remain safely in their homes.
- Blueprints Financial Coaching – The newest initiative, this program offers personalized financial coaching to help participants qualify for traditional home loans. Upon successful completion, participants may receive up to $15,000 in down payment assistance.
In addition to its three core programs, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is preparing to open a new Homeownership Training Center at 1325 W 4th Street. Construction is scheduled for completion this fall. The facility will serve as a hands-on learning environment where future homebuyers can gain practical knowledge and skills for successful homeownership.
Additionally, the Homeownership Training Center will function as a collaborative space for staff and community members to gather, host meetings, and further support the mission of Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.
As the community celebrates 35 years of impact, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity wants people to know that stability starts with a home. “We’re not just building houses,” Parrish said.
“We’re building futures — one family, one home, one neighborhood at a time.”
Visit webuildhabitat.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
ABOUT IOWA HEARTLAND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Driven by the vision that everyone deserves a decent place to live, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity has served over 500 families through homeownership and critical home repairs in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, and Butler Counties in Iowa since 1990.
Families and individuals in need of a hand-up partner with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the stability, opportunity, and hope they need to build better lives for themselves.
Through homeownership, resilient neighborhoods and community collaboration, we empower.
To learn more, visit www.WeBuildHabitat.org.