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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 home owning 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
cost 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 home owning 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 home owning a reality.
Together we build homes, community and hope.
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