Good Neighbors News October 9, 2026
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🇭🇹HAITIAN CREOLE
This week, we cover Medicaid eligibility changes taking effect October 1, a change to ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System and a U.S. Supreme Court case involving deportations to third countries. We also report on the war involving the United States and Iran, fighting in Yemen and upcoming Iowa dates for a free dental clinic and the Iowa Refugee Summit.
Learn Home Maintenance Skills at HomeLab in Waterloo
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is offering hands-on home maintenance classes through HomeLab, a community learning space designed to help residents build confidence in caring for their homes.
The classes introduce practical skills such as using basic tools, understanding home systems, performing common repairs and maintaining a safe home. HomeLab welcomes homeowners, renters and anyone interested in developing household maintenance skills, including people who may have little or no previous experience.
Location: HomeLab, 1325 West Fourth Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
Cost: Current class listings indicate $50 per class, with discounts available for qualifying participants. Confirm individual class fees when registering.
Class schedules, registration and additional information: Visit Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity at https://www.webuildhabitat.org/homelab/.
Community Reading and Discussion: The Art of Neighboring
Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity invites community members to participate in a reading and discussion series featuring The Art of Neighboring, a book that explores how relationships with the people around us can strengthen neighborhoods and communities.
Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the importance of building connections, getting to know neighbors and creating communities where people feel welcomed and supported.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 14, 21 and 28 and November 4, 2026.
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: HomeLab, 1325 West Fourth Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
Event information: Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, https://www.webuildhabitat.org/about/events/public-read-event/.
Free Multilingual Question-and-Answer Sessions on Recent U.S. Policy Changes
The International Rescue Committee's Settle In program is hosting free online question-and-answer sessions October 20–23, 2026, to help refugee and immigrant communities better understand recent changes to U.S. policies.
Topics include refugee admissions, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), employment authorization and work permits, family reunification and public benefits. These sessions offer an opportunity to hear information about developments that may affect individuals and families navigating immigration and resettlement processes.
The sessions will be presented in six languages and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Registration is not required.
Session schedule (Central Time):
English: Tuesday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m.
Dari: Wednesday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m.
Pashto: Wednesday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Spanish: Thursday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m.
Haitian Creole: Thursday, October 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Ukrainian: Friday, October 23 at 1:00 p.m.
How to participate: Visit Settle In on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SettleInUS or find program information at https://www.settleinus.org.
The sessions are free and accessible online, making them available to community members regardless of where they live.
Coffee with the City: Meet Cedar Falls Officials
Cedar Falls residents are invited to attend Coffee with the City, an informal opportunity to connect with local government representatives, ask questions and learn more about city services.
The gathering brings together city staff and public safety representatives to encourage conversation between residents and the people serving their community.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Time: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Location: The Vibe, 1828 Waterloo Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Additional information: Visit the City of Cedar Falls event calendar at https://www.cedarfalls.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=11658.
Free Fall Clothing Giveaway in Waterloo: October 24
The Church Row Neighborhood Coalition is hosting its Annual Fall Clothing Giveaway to help individuals and families prepare for colder weather.
Winter clothing will be available in children's and adult sizes, along with bedding and other donated items. Everything is free for those in need.
Transportation home will also be available for participants who need assistance getting their items home.
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Location: First Baptist Church, 434 Baltimore Street, Waterloo, Iowa.
Cost: Free to those in need.
Transportation: Transportation home is available for those who need it.
Sponsored by: Church Row Neighborhood Coalition.
Questions or additional information: Contact Pat Sears at 319-239-8207 or pas0811@aol.com.
This annual event provides an opportunity for individuals and families to access winter essentials while connecting with neighbors and community organizations.
Disclaimer: Good Neighbors Network is a multilingual news service. The information provided is based on official government sources, court documents and verified news reporting and is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal guidance for any individual case.
