The Build

Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Hope Build 21 is taking place in the Oakhill Jackson neighborhood of Cedar Rapids. Ground was broken in October 2021, and the home was enclosed by the end of December. Interior work will proceeded through winter and spring of 2022, and a partner family will move into the home soon!

The home is dug out in the rear, and will have a lower level garage entrance. This will be the fifth home that Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity has built in the Oakhill Jackson area recently, in partnership with the city’s efforts to revitalize the area.

Members of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust sided the home during United Way’s Day Of Caring in May of 2022.

Bank of America and Whirlpool employees volunteered on interior finishing projects for the home. 

Employees from Carson Wealth completed the home’s landscaping.

To see more photos of the build process, look in the photo gallery for Hope 21!

The Family

Bovic and Charlie Family Photo

“The future is really bright.” -Bovic

Bovic and Charlie came to America from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017. When they first arrived in the country, they moved to several different states before deciding to settle down in Iowa. “I like Iowa because it’s quiet and safe,” says Bovic.

Originally a high school French teacher in Congo, Bovic currently supports the family be working at Whirlpool Amana. The family rents a 2-bedroom apartment, but with eight year-old daughter Welline and nine month-old son Dunatos growing quickly, they’ll need more space soon. Purchasing an affordable home from Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity will provide them the stability needed to follow their dreams.

With their acceptance the Habitat program, Bovic recently took steps towards a new career goal: He’s studying automotive collision repair at Kirkwood and intends to open his own auto body shop. “If I start my own shop, other African immigrants will feel comfortable coming to me for work.” The experience he’s gaining on the build site is giving him the confidence to continue working with his hands. “I like volunteering because you learn a lot.”

The Partners

This house was made possible by the generous support of the following organizations.

 

cocr-home

Transamerica Corporation