Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHH) is a partnership of churches, businesses, individuals, organizations and families of low resources that has a proven track record in addressing the need for affordable housing in the greater Cedar Rapids community. It is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), an ecumenical Christian housing organization committed to eliminating the world’s substandard housing.

Habitat is a helping hand, not a hand out. The only thing given away is opportunity. To keep homes affordable we use as much volunteer labor and discounted or donated materials as possible. A rehabilitated or new unit is then sold at no profit and no interest to a family whose annual income excludes them from conventional financing, but who could afford to buy and maintain their own home if the price and terms were right. Principal payments are used to support more building, more families.

Homeowners are selected based on need for adequate housing, ability to pay their mortgage loan and other associated homeowning costs, and willingness to be a volunteer partner with Habitat. Race, age, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, and religion are never considered in application review for approval. Homeowners agree to volunteer 300-400 hours by participating in a variety of Habitat projects and supporting activities—including the construction of their own home and homes being built with other Habitat homebuyers.

As part of Habitat for Humanity International, Cedar Valley Habitat is committed to eliminating substandard housing from the face of the earth. Our volunteer board has a goal to pledge 10% from unrestricted donations to build homes in El Salvador. Every time we raise the needed $48,000 to build a house in our community, we strive to raise an additional $3,800—the construction costs of a basic house in El Salvador. Worldwide, Habitat has brought homeownership to over 200,000 families.

Cedar Valley Habitat was founded in 1988 to serve Linn County. Volunteers expanded the service area in 2001 with the creation of the Benton County Chapter. The Chapter’s board and standing committees are organizing the partnership through 2001. Because of this alliance with Benton County, the first Habitat home in Vinton was completed in Summer of 2007.  

In 1988 through 2000 CVHH work concentrated in Cedar Rapids and Marion. 1998 celebrated the kick-off of Genesis Park, a 25-house neighborhood development in the Oak Hill area of Cedar Rapids. By winter of 2007, Habitat volunteers and donors had created homebuyer opportunities for 58 families in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Benton County. In total, Habitat of Iowa has built more than 500 homes!

No other homeowning organization in our area serves the people who are Habitat partners. CVHH depends on community businesses, churches, organizations and individuals to make adequate housing a matter of conscience. Your volunteered funds and time make the dream of homeowning a reality. Together we build homes, families and community.

For details about how to contribute, or for homeowner application information, contact Habitat.