Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity (IVHFH) is hosting a dedication ceremony in honor of the affiliate’s 13th Women Build home and to congratulate the future homeowner.
On Saturday, Dec. 16 at 10:00 a.m., Women Build volunteers and Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity will hold the dedication ceremony for the Mary Mascher Women Build home in the Grant Wood Elementary School gym in Iowa City. An open house to tour the home – located at 2637 Blazing Star Drive in Iowa City – will be from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Dec. 16, and 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18.
According to a press release, this year’s Women Build project is in honor of former Iowa State Representative and Iowa City Community School District teacher, Mary Mascher.
“We hosted our first Women Build in 2005. Since then, it has become a tradition for
IVHFH to name each Women Build in honor of an influential woman in the community,” said IVHFH Development Director, Tami Bonnett. “Mary has supported our mission for decades, especially our Women Build program and joins volunteers on home build sites every construction season. She has been an advocate for improving the lives of families and children through affordable, safe housing. We are thrilled for Mary to join a group of women in the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity community who have been honored for
their achievements, their leadership, and their service to our neighbors.”
Ms. Mascher and IVHFH’s Women Build volunteers have worked throughout the year to raise funds to support the construction of a Habitat home, in addition to funding the
cost of repairing an existing home. This year’s home is bequeathed to single mother Nicole, who will purchase the home with an affordable financing package that ensures her housing will cost less than 30% of her household income. Currently, she and her two children reside in a small mobile home.
“[Homeownership will be] a shift for our family. Everything is going to get better after this. It’s a new start and a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she said.
Women Build also funded a Helping Hands home repair earlier this fall, when the owner of a mobile home reached out for help with roof repairs. Mary Mascher Women Build and IVHFH were able to replace the roof with the funds raised that year.
“As an educator in the Iowa City Schools, I recognized the importance of safe, affordable housing, so students could achieve academic success,” said Ms. Mascher. “While serving in the legislature, I focused on affordable homes and low interest loans so families could live close to their neighborhood businesses and schools. It is truly a privilege to be the Women Build honoree this year.”
