Tune in to Bringing Down the HOUSE!

Ali, J’Kalein, and guests discuss all things housing, community, and Iowa Heartland every
other Tuesday in 30-45 minute podcast episodes!

Episode 13: International Building & Global Partnerships with Wayne Green

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):

April 6, 2021

Episode 12: Iowa Heartland Habitat's ReStore with Jeff Finke

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:

March 23, 2021

Episode 11: The Walnut Neighborhood in Waterloo with Laura Hoy

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:

March 9, 2021

Episode 10: Housing in Waterloo with Mayor Hart

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!

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February 23, 2021

Episode 9: Homebuyer Story: Katie Muller

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:

February 9, 2021

Episode 8: Homeownership Program Qualifications & Process with Mandy Mahncke

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:

January 26, 2021

Episode 7: Redlining with Lauren Johnson (Part 2)

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:

January 12, 2021

Episode 6: Redlining with Lauren Johnson (Part 1)

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? For the next two episodes, Ali and J'Kalein are joined by Polk County Housing Trust Fund Director of Communications and Community Outreach, Lauren Johnson, to discuss all of this and more.

Episode Links:

December 29, 2020

Episode 5: Health and Home with Disa Cornish (Part 2)

Have you considered how housing conditions contribute to a person's overall health and well-being? Did you know that the housing in a neighborhood affects the health of those that live there? For the next two episodes of Bringing Down the House, Ali and J'Kalein are joined by Dr. Disa Cornish, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Northern Iowa, to dive into this topic.

December 15, 2020