Representative Latham, City of Mason City receive Habitat for Humanity awards

State Representative Shannon Latham and the City of Mason City are being recognized by Habitat for Humanity for their work supporting workforce housing in Iowa.

Latham received the Habitat Legacy Builder Award from both Habitat for Humanity of Iowa and Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. The award was presented in Mason City at the site of a home rehabilitated by Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa in partnership with the City of Mason City. Latham helped secure funding that made the project possible and will allow the home to be sold to a local family.

Habitat officials say this is the first year the Legacy Builder Award has been presented. It recognizes leaders whose work has a long-term impact on homeownership and housing stability across the state.

The funding Latham supported is part of the Housing Renewal Program, a pilot program administered by Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. The program is designed to reduce financial risk for developers who rehabilitate distressed properties.

“Think of the houses a few blocks off main street in most Iowa towns,” says Lisa Houser, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Iowa. “These are houses that need serious attention, but do not yet need to be torn down. These houses go untouched because there is too much risk for a developer to save them.”

Houser says the program helps cover the gap when renovation costs exceed a home’s appraised value, making projects financially possible. Any remaining funds are placed into a revolving loan fund for future housing projects.

Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa is currently rehabilitating three homes in Mason City’s Downtown West neighborhood using the program. The organization also presented a Community Partner Award to Mason City Mayor Bill Schickel and City Administrator Aaron Burnett for the city’s role in neighborhood revitalization.

Those interested in donating, volunteering, or applying for a Habitat home can contact Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa at 641-424-8978.