Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
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  • Liz Swanson has spent a lifetime strengthening communities through her leadership in nursing, her commitment to education, and a remarkable span of service across local and statewide organizations. From her early involvement with the Preucil School of Music, where she helped lead a successful capital campaign and first discovered her passion for fundraising, to her impactful leadership with Shelter House, where she advanced development strategies, trained others, and supported the clinic now named in her honor, Liz has consistently contributed her time, talents, and resources to create meaningful, lasting change. Her work extends to organizations such as the Iowa Women's Foundation, where she helped build a legacy fund to expand opportunities for women, and TRAIL of Johnson County, which supports older adults in living safely and independently in their homes. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Oaknoll Retirement Residence, continuing her commitment to supporting aging populations in our community. In recent years, Liz and her husband, Alan, have been involved with Miracles in Motion. Today, she serves on the organization's Finance and Fundraising Committee. Liz shares, "It's important for me to give back and give as much as I can," a value that has guided her commitment to volunteerism and her work.

    That same value has shaped her long-standing support of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity. Alongside Alan, Liz has supported Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity for decades, and in 2023, she joined the Women Build committee, quickly becoming a reliable and engaged leader. She builds meaningful connections with families, uplifts volunteers, and supports staff with quiet consistency and care. She does not seek recognition; she believes in the power of community and the importance of home. We are proud to name Liz Swanson as the honoree of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's 16th Women Build. Through this project, we will build a home alongside a local family and support critical home repairs and modifications that enable homeowners to live safely and with dignity, continuing the impact Liz champions.

    SAVE THE DATE FOR HAMMERS AND HARDHATS! October 8 | 6–8 pm | The Courtyard by Marriott in Iowa City
    Hosted in the heart of Hawkeye Land, this can't-miss evening brings the community together for a fun night of connection and impact. After three consecutive SOLD-OUT years, you won't want to miss it. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details in the coming months. 

    Want to be sure you don't miss any event announcements? Email tami@iowavalleyhabitat.org and request to be added to our email list, and we will send you a message when more information and tickets become available.

    History of IVHFH Women Build: The first Iowa Valley Habitat Women Build was completed by a committee of volunteers in 2004, and the second was completed by a committee of volunteers in 2006. However, the affiliate did not commit to making the Women Build an annual project until 2011. Since then, IVHFH has made it a tradition to name each Women Build in honor of an influential woman in the community.

    2011-2025 IVHFH Women Build Honorees include: Dottie Ray, Jackie Blank, Jane McCune, Dr. Christine Grant, Jean Lloyd-Jones, Mary Palmberg, Pat Heiden, Kazi Alward, Jan Down, Katie Lammers, Doris Preucil, Jane Hagedorn, Mary Mascher, Billie Townsend, Wai Yin Chan, and Linda "Digger" Barrow.

    About Helping Hands: Barriers to obtaining safe, decent housing are especially significant for low-income households. Through the Helping Hands home repair program, we work to lower these barriers for residents of Cedar, Iowa; Johnson, Louisa, and Washington Counties by overseeing affordable, critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, emergency repairs, and major appliance replacements (ERMAR). Learn more here.

    About Homeownership: Buying ​an Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity home provides a strong foundation. It allows building a better life, a life in which improved living conditions lead to better health, stronger childhood development, and the financial flexibility to make forward-looking choices. A Habitat home and an affordable mortgage help homeowners save more, invest in education, and pursue opportunity. Learn more here.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity logo
In Support of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity
We envision a world in which each person has a decent place to live. Locally, we partner with both current and future homeowners, local businesses, residents, and social service organizations to construct and renovate safe, decent, affordable housing in Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Louisa, and Washington Counties.  We also secure affordable financing so that homeowners in our program save thousands of dollars over the life of their mortgage.   Globally, we work to remove barriers to decent housing by supporting Global Village trips and tithing to Habitat for Humanity global builds.  Together with our community, Habitat homeowners gain the strength, stability, and self-reliance needed to build better lives and stronger communities.