Community Partnerships

The City of Iowa City

The City of Iowa City has been an integral component to helping us grow. Iowa Valley Habitat shares space with the City at the East Side Recycling Center and collaborates on events, such as Earth Day at East Side. The City also supports building initiatives through assisting in land acquisition. Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is fortunate enough to receive Community Development Block Grants and HOME land grants in the Iowa City area to reduce our lot purchase costs.

The Furniture Project

The Habitat ReStore has partnered with the Furniture Project, a city-run program that supplies families in need with essential furniture items. The ReStore collects materials and manages the open houses for the program. Since a major mission of the Habitat ReStore is to reduce unnecessary waste in the landfill, we are often working with the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Centers during specific campaigns and community initiatives.

Iowa Shares

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is a member of Iowa Shares, a statewide coalition of 19 social change, environmental and cultural nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Iowa. Iowa Shares makes a direct impact on Iowa communities through research, education, advocacy and direct service. Through workplace giving, you can support all of the Iowa Shares member organizations — including Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.

To learn more, visit www.iowashares.org or contact our board member representative, Kasie Ver Schuure, for information on how you can support us through Iowa Shares charitable giving campaigns via payroll deductions.

Goodwill Industries

The Habitat ReStore works with the Goodwill Industries Career Connections program, which allows high school seniors with disabilities the opportunity to work an additional year while exploring job options. The ReStore students have enjoyed working with the staff and volunteers and have proven to be a great resource of help for the store.

The University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a supportive resource for IVHFH. The UI Campus Chapter serves as the organization’s link to the University of Iowa campus and assists us with awareness and fundraising initiatives. In addition, we participate in the work study program where students can work with the organization through the ReStore, office or on the construction site to earn wages as a form of financial aid.

Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce

We are committed to being an involved part of the greater Iowa City community. Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is a member of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, and many of the IVHFH staff members serve as active members, sitting on committees, participating in programs, and attending events and functions.

The Iowa City Area Chamber has provided our organization with a better understanding of the components that make up our community, as well as an array of supportive partnerships through networking opportunities that have allowed us to assist even more low-income families.

Current and past involvement

• Mande Butler, ReStore Director, graduated from the Community Leadership Program in 2009
• Theresa Burns, Office & Finance Manager, is currently enrolled in the Community Leadership Program
• Kasie Ver Schuure, Resource Development Director, currently serves as an Ambassador

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity will host the Business PM during November, 2010 for the Chamber of Commerce. Plan on attending and supporting our affiliate!