As 2018 is coming to a close, Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity recently reviewed all of the recent housing projects in Greene County.

Associate Director Jeff Lamoureux says they completed three Helping Hands projects this year. Two homes were done in Jefferson, one was a roof replacement with gutters, and the other was re-painting a two-story home with a new accessible front entry. The third home was in Paton with another roof replacement.

Lamoureux points out another way they helped three additional homeowners in Greene County is through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program. He says with Habitat’s resources, homeowners that are 62 and older are eligible for a $7,500 grant, and those younger than 62 can qualify for a $7,500 one-percent interest loan. Lamoureux describes how they help the homeowner with the USDA program.

“Homeowners approach us with some needs that we can’t specifically help them with, like some interior stuff, maybe stuff that’s a little more technical with plumbing and HVAC stuff. We’ve helped them with the application process, sent it to USDA ourselves. Once they are approved, then we work with the contractors to get the job done.”

He notes that while they are still adding up the totals from this past weekend’s Nativity Festival fundraiser, they are looking for applicants for 2019 Helping Hand projects. Those interested in learning more or how to qualify can contact Lamoureux via email at ad@heartofiowahabitat.org or call him at 386-3093.