Want to directly impact a family in need? Donate here to help with housing costs, start-up items & more. Our programming works to build independence and self-sufficiency with your donations.
Newcomers Housed
Households Participated
Our program provides a path to self-sufficiency, allowing newcomers to start at ground zero and experience the dignity of moving forward independently. The program lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on the level of need. Rent assistance is available for qualified participants, and our goods store, established in partnership with Goodwill of Northeast Iowa, helps save money on essential move-in items such as blankets, sheets, kitchen utensils, flatware, pans, pots, bathroom items, etc. In partnership with the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services, we can remove the barrier of securing an apartment while waiting for work authorization, allowing participants to reach stability for their families sooner.
In addition to housing, we help with job applications, financial planning, community navigation, and building bridges to area community resources such as legal services, Black Hawk County Health, People’s Clinic, and Waterloo City services. Last, we engage the greater community in supporting newcomers by collecting donated furniture and engaging them in transportation and housewarming help. This connection to the greater community sets families up for long-term success. Graduates have a solid foundation in financial literacy and an understanding of being a good renter or homeowner.
When new families move into a new apartment, the needs can be overwhelming, and transportation is a barrier—purchasing one item to stock our "store" to help newcomers. When we have a new arrival, they will have access to items in the store through our programming.
