SEASON ONE FINALE: On this season of Bringing Down the House, we’ve talked about how families qualify for our affordable homeownership program and the joys and growth our families have experienced.. but what goes on between being accepted into our program and receiving the keys to their home? Today, on the season one finale of Bringing Down the House, Ali chats with Iowa Heartland’s Construction Manager, Heath Christensen and Senior Site Supervisor, John Poon about all things construction!

Episode Links (in order of mention):

• Current Projects - April 2021
• Volunteer with us!
• Target Neighborhoods: Walnut and Church Row

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Ali and J'Kalein visit with Iowa Heartland Habitat Board Secretary and local housing expert, LeKeisha Veasley, to explore the ways homeownership contributes to a families ability to build wealth and the ways housing policies have contributed to wealth gaps in our community over the years.

Episode Links(in order of mention):

• John Deere Panel Build Event and Grant Announcement
• Masters in Public Policy, UNI Graduate Program
• Volunteer with Iowa Heartland
• BDTH Redlining - Episode 1
• BDTH Redlining - Episode 2
• Family in California - Low Appraisal
• Iowa Heartland's Homeownership Program

Ali and J'Kalein visit with long time Iowa Heartland Habitat supporter, Wayne Green, to explore an often unknown and overlooked part of Habitat's mission; our international homebuilding and global partnerships. Heartwarming and inspirational stories are shared about Iowa Heartland's 6.5 year partnership with Habitat for Humanity El Salvador.

Episode Links(in order of mention):

• Maria's Home Dedication - Facebook Live @ 4:30PM
• Wayne Green Holding Nicole
• Tithing Partners - Habitat for Humanity International
• Global Village Trips - Habitat for Humanity
  

Habitat for Humanity ReStores are unique and exciting discount home improvement stores.. But did you know that they are a great source of sustainable funding for Habitat's mission in communities all across the country? This episode, Ali and J'Kalein welcome Iowa Heartland Habitat's ReStore Manager, Jeff Finke, to talk all things ReStore!

Episode Links:

• About the ReStore
• Iowa Heartland's ReStore Facebook Page
• Shop the ReStore at 4107 Hammond Avenue, Waterloo, IA
  

Have you ever seen your community or neighborhood facing significant challenges and felt compelled to work with others to do something about it? Today, Ali and J'Kalein are joined by, Christian Community Development practitioner, Walnut Neighborhood resident, & president of the Walnut Neighborhood Association, Laura Hoy. They chat about the power of neighborhoods, holistic community development, and Laura's work in the neighborhood over the past 13 years. You don't want to miss this inspiring conversation!

Episode Links:

• Walnut Neighborhood Association
• First Presbyterian Church - Waterloo
• Spellers True Value
• All-In-Grocers
• Willie Mae Right (article)
• Christian Community Development Association
• Asset Based Community Development
• Harvest Vineyard Church
• LiNK CCD
• House of Hope

Ali is solo this episode as she welcomes Waterloo Mayor, Quentin Hart to chat about the current state of housing in waterloo and what the future holds!

Episode Links:

• Waterloo Community Development
• When Your Goals Seem Out of Reach: Take a Lesson from Nehemiah
  

Ali and our guest co-host, Andrew, can't wait for you to meet Iowa Heartland Habitat homebuyer, Katie Muller! After 10 years of living in her Habitat home, Katie shares what affordable homeownership has meant to her family and how it has changed her life!

Episode Links:

• Does Home Ownership by Parents Have an Economic Impact on Their Children?

Have you ever wondered how families are qualified and selected for Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity's programs? Do you ever wonder what happens behind the scenes to make our homebuyer's dreams a reality? Ali and J'Kalein are joined by Iowa Heartland Program Director, Mandy Mahncke to share more about this process!

Episode Links:

• https://www.webuildhabitat.org/home-programs/home-owner-application
• https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=average%20monthly%20mortgage%20payment&tid=ACSST1Y2019.S2506&hidePreview=false
• https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/average-mortgage-payment#costs-included-in-a-monthly-mortgage-payment
• https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/apartment-rent-report/october-2019-national-rent-report/

Redlining. A historical buzzword that many people may have heard, but most often don't fully understand. What exactly is redlining.. and, how has it impacted our community and others over the years? Is redlining still happening today.. and, what can we do about it? Ali and J'Kalein continue their discussion with Polk County Housing Trust Fund Director of Communications and Community Outreach, Lauren Johnson on this episode!

Episode Links:

• https://www.undesigndsm.com/  
• https://www.facebook.com/pchtf