Director’sNote
CarrieWoerdeman,ExecutiveDirector
It’shardtobelievewe’vereachedtheendofMarch–andthere’salreadyso much to celebrate in 2025! I write this coming off of the heels of our annual Hunt for Housing event, which was a huge success with 142 attendees and $69,246 raised to support our mission and included the launch of our new storytellingvideos,asneakpeekofourupdatedwebsite,andsharedstories ofthepowerofcommunityinchanginglivesforthebetter.Ourentireteamis overwhelmedandgratefulforhighlevelofsustainedsupportfortheworkwe dotosupportourmission.
Looking forward to the 2025 construction season, we’ve currently got four homesunderway,withseveralmorescheduledtostartinthenextfewweeks. Our housing counseling team continues to work to improve our service deliverymodel,learnhowtobestleveragethetoolsandfeaturesofournew housing counseling software, and we’re doing a deep dive into our processes and procedures to ensure that our clients receive the most meaningfulandcomprehensivesupportpossible.
We continue to work to advocate for and work alongside individuals and families who are struggling to remain stably housed. This work can be both exhaustingandrewarding,andwearefortunatetohaveanincredibleteam of individuals who are up to the challenge and a network of supporters rallyingbehindus.Thankyoufortheroleyouplaytosupportourwork!
$69,246 RAISED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING $69,246 RAISED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Wearethrilledtosharethatour6thAnnual HuntforHousingfundraiserandcelebration wasahugesuccess!Thankstoyour generoussupportandenthusiasm,we raised$69,246tosupportourongoing effortsinprovidingresourcesandsupport tothosewhoaretryingtoovercomethe barrierstohousingstability.Ahugewinfor affordablehousing!Thankyoutoeveryone whoattended,donated,boughtraffle tickets,sponsored,andsupportedus! Together,wearemakingstridestowarda futurewhereeveryonehasaplacetocall home.Welookforwardtoseeingyouatnext year’sevent!
HUNT FOR HOUSING HIGHLIGHTS
SUZ LIVE PAINTS
SuzannafromSuzLivePaintsjoinedus at the Hunt for Housing, where she createdastunninglakesidescenelive as our guests watched and engaged in conversation about her artistic process.Attheconclusionoftheevent, we held an auction for this one-of-akindpainting.
STORIES OF IMPACT
We're thrilled to announce the launch of two impactful videos that were unveiled at Hunt for Housing! These videos reflect our commitment to providing affordable housing solutions and highlight the voices of those we serve. Check out our new videos and subscribehere:
https://www.youtube.com/@homeincd sm
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
SarahsharedabouthowHOME,Inc.steppedinto help her neighbor who had been living in dangerous conditions to the point where it was discovered her home was unfit for living. HOME, Inc. not only purchased her property at fair market value, but then organized a volunteer project to recover her treasured belongings hiddenamongtheextremeclutter.Sarahshared how this project transformed her neighbor's life, providing her with safety and comfort in a new living situation. The property will soon feature a new, affordable home built by HOME, Inc. welcomingafamilyofseven.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
CONSTRUCTION SEASON IS HERE!
A WORD FROM CLINT WEBSTER
DIRECTOROFPROPERTYDEVELOPMENT
WithafairlymildwinterandafairlydrySpringsofar (knock on wood), construction of four affordable homes is underway with a flash-flood of 9 other homesthatwearelookingtogetstartedinthenext couple of months. Typically, with a wet Spring, gettingaholedug,footingsandfoundationpoured, andundergroundplumbingcompletedisastruggle that tends to get pushed into Summer once things dry up. Fortunately for us and the families we serve, wearerockingandrollingonconstructionwithvery littleweatherdelays.Alsoworkinginourfavoristhe fact that our contractors are hungry for work and available to quickly jump on our projects. If construction is booming, sometimes those contractors get busy with other projects and there are delays with our houses. All in all, the 2025 construction season is ramping up to be very impactful for HOME, Inc., our contractors, and most importantly,ourclientsandfuturehomeowners.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help staff our information table at various community events coming up! You will play an important role in providing the public with valuable information about our programs, services, and upcoming events. You'll have the chance to engage with community members, answer their questions, and helpraiseawarenessabouttheresourcesweprovide!
April12 1:30pm-4pm th May3rd 10am-2pm
Drake University Head Start is having a block party! We will be hosting a table on Drake campus to provide resources and support to families coming to this event. Part of the event is to have an activityforthechildrenandsoweneed onevolunteertocomehelpoutpassing out our materials and facilitating our game!
The YMCA is having a resource fair and we have a booth to help provide information about the programs and resources we have available. We need one volunteer to help us visit with peopleandpassoutinformation!
