At Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, our work is about more than building and repairing homes. It's about people, community, and creating opportunities for families to live in safe and stable housing. On August 25, staff from across the organization came together for a Staff Bus Tour and Fun Day, providing an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate our impact, and strengthen relationships across departments.

The day began with a trip to Independence, where staff had the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible work being done through our Critical Home Repair Program. After a quick stop at a local bakery and coffee shop, Gedney Bakery & Coffeehouse, the team drove by several homes and project sites with members of our home repair team. These visits offered a closer look at the program's impact and the difference it makes for homeowners across our service areas.

The Critical Home Repair Program provides vital home repairs for lower-income homeowners, helping preserve safe, accessible, and stable housing within the communities they call home.

Check out this past blog to read more about the impact of our Critical Home Repair Program: The Lasting Impact of Critical Home Repair | Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity

The tour also served as a reminder of the dedication of our Critical Home Repair team. Every day, team members Jon Martin, Steven Houle, and Sam King travel throughout Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, and Butler counties, partnering with homeowners and addressing critical housing needs.

Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the communities we serve. By helping homeowners maintain safe and stable housing, they play an essential role in advancing our mission and strengthening neighborhoods across the region.

As the group traveled between sites, staff reflected on insights and lessons shared by team members who recently attended Habitat's Bridge Building Summit in Houston. These conversations created opportunities for learning, reflection, and professional growth while introducing concepts from Bridge Building, an approach that emphasizes working with communities rather than doing things to or for them. Bridge Building encourages us to listen deeply, seek diverse perspectives, and engage community members as partners in decision-making. By centering the voices and experiences of the people who live and work in the places we serve, we can build stronger relationships and create more meaningful impact. As Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity continues to explore and incorporate Bridge Building principles into our daily work, we remain committed to one of our core values: continuous improvement.

The team returned to Waterloo for a modified Sites and Bites tour. Staff visited several Habitat homes while learning more about the history of the properties and the partnerships that helped make homeownership opportunities possible for families in our community. These conversations offered valuable perspective on the many steps involved in bringing affordable housing projects to life.

After a day spent learning and connecting, staff gathered for an afternoon of fun at Palmer's Family Fun. Over lunch and a variety of activities, including mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, laser tag, and more, team members had the chance to relax and enjoy time together outside of their usual work environments. While the activities made for a memorable day, the true value of the experience was the opportunity to connect across departments and gain a deeper understanding of the many ways each team contributes to our mission. From construction and home repair to the Restore and administrative staff, every role plays a part in helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.