Habitat for Humanity selects family for Calmar home

The Yoders

Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity has selected the Steve and Nichole Yoder family to live in the house to be built this year on Henry Street in Calmar.

The Yoders have two daughters, two year old Aria and infant Tianna.  The family is currently renting in Ridgeway.  "Calmar will be a good place to live and the Habitat home will give us the additional room we need with another child," stated Steve.

The goal for Habitat is to work in partnership with low-income working
families to build or renovate decent, affordable housing for them. The
houses are sold at no profit and with a 25-year mortgage with no interest. The family must have employment in order to make the mortgage payments. Steve is employed by Lynch Livestock, Inc.  Nichole is currently a stay at home mom.  Further, the family must meet a requirement of helping with the construction, which is known as  "sweat equity." This can be provided in cooperation with friends and family volunteers.  Nichole and Steve both have family in the area.

Construction of the new Calmar home will begin in early October with the traditional "blitz build."

Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity has built 29 homes since it was organized in 1992.  This is the third home to be built in Calmar.  WCHFH houses also have been built are Burr Oak, Castalia, Decorah, Freeport, Ossian, and Ridgeway.

WCHFH Executive Director Gus Johnson said, "Habitat provides a win-win situation since families who meet the guidelines can help to build their new house and also the tax base is expanded for the community in which the house is located."