Stories of Hope

homeownership

Taneasha's Story of Hope

"We will have a home and have something to call ours."

For Taneasha, becoming a homeowner means more than having a roof over her head—it means not paying high rent that has held her back for years. As a participant in the Framing Hope program—a partnership between Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity and House of Hope—Taneasha is on a path to affordable homeownership, stability, and a brighter future for her family.

Taneasha is a mother of two: a 13-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. Her journey hasn’t been easy. She’s faced homelessness, toxic relationships, and addiction. But through it all, she’s leaned on her faith and her relationship with God to stay focused and keep moving forward.

Now, with the support of Iowa Heartland Habitat and House of Hope, Taneasha is building more than just a house—she’s building a future.

“We will have a home and have something to call ours,” she says.

Taneasha’s new home will begin construction soon, and the entire family is overwhelmed with excitement. Her daughter can’t wait to have her own room, and her son looks forward to playing in a backyard for the first time. Taneasha herself is thrilled to finally have a garage—a safe space after struggling with repeated thefts from her car.

She also finds joy and purpose working at the ReStore, where she says the staff and volunteers have become like family.

“It is just amazing what you guys are doing,” she shares. “I’m just super grateful for this opportunity. I’ve struggled a lot, but I’m here to say—I did it.”

Taneasha’s story is one of resilience, faith, and hope. And thanks to the power of partnership and community, her family is finally on their way home.

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Our Commitment to Belonging and Opportunity

At Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, we believe every person deserves a place to call home—and a community where they are welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive. Rooted in our faith and guided by our commitment to Koinonia, we work to expand opportunity and foster belonging through every aspect of our mission—from how we build and who we serve to the culture we cultivate within our team. As an equal opportunity employer and housing organization, we reject discrimination in any form and strive to model a world where compassion and opportunity lead to lasting change. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities—including members of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, people of all faiths or none, and people of all abilities—because when we unite through God’s love, we build more than homes—we build community and hope for all.

Non-proselytizing policy

Habitat for Humanity and its affiliate organizations will not proselytize. Nor will Habitat work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with Habitat. This means that Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith.

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