Another Grant!

FULLER CENTER FOR HOUSING IOWA LAKES RECEIVES GRANT FROM LAKES COMMUNITY LAND TRUST

FOSTORIA -- The Fuller Center for Housing (FCH) -- Iowa Lakes was awarded a grant from the Lakes Community Land Trust to complete the kitchen at the project house in Terril, Iowa. FCH -- Iowa Lakes is the local covenant partner of The Fuller Center for Housing, a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing worldwide. By forming partnerships with local organizations, The Fuller Center provides the structure, guidance and support that communities need to build and repair homes for the impoverished among them.

The grant from Lakes Community Land Trust will allow FCH to complete the necessary wiring and plumbing work for the Terril house's kitchen, as well as install cabinets, purchase appliances, and and install flooring. The work will be completed by local volunteers working side by side with Lisa Jensen, the homeowner. "The Fuller Center for Housing was founded by the same family and on the same principles as Habitat for Humanity," Ed Peterson, FCH-Iowa Lakes Executive Director, said. "We don't give hand outs but rather a hand up to homeowners in need of repairs and remodels to make their homes livable."

FCH is also committed to working renewably and economically -- repurposing used or leftover materials when possible. The kitchen sink, refrigerator, lighting and cabinets have all been purchased from the ReNew store, a reclaimed building materials store in Spirit Lake.

"Donating to the Fuller Center for Housing is a wise choice for anyone's charitable funds," Amy Peterson, FCH-Iowa Lakes board secretary said. "We always work with low overhead and make the best use out of each dollar donated. We do all we can to treat our donors well and they can be confident that their donations are going toward mission, not miscellany."

The project house in Terril, Iowa began early in 2009 as a near-total remodel. Lisa Jensen, the homeowner, is a single mother of two daughters who had no one to help her repair and renovate her house. With donations from individuals and grant funds from two local organizations, the project has made substantial progress over the summer. However, more donations and volunteer hours are needed during the Fall to bring the project to completion.

"We've been very blessed and are very grateful for the support we have received from the community," Amy Peterson said. "We have hope we will continue to grow and develop in the year ahead."