A strong spirit of volunteerism at work

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June 24, 2009

By ANDY GOODELL

OSKALOOSA — There’s a reason why they go up so fast.

Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity is currently helping build a home on South B Street in Oskaloosa, with another scheduled to go up soon.

Blaine Vos, executive director for Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity, said building two homes in one year is twice what is typical for a regional HFH office.

Vos said there is no shortage of volunteers helping build these two homes. There are volunteers from churches, businesses and even a “core group of retired men” that help out, said Vos.

“It’s a real feather in the hat for Oskaloosa,” said Vos. “There is a very strong Christian ethic in town and a strong neighborly effort in town. We just like being part of strong community and to help everybody achieve their dreams.”

Since 1993, Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity has constructed 15 homes for those in need of affordable housing.

Vos said the need for these new homes is clear in Oskaloosa because the city ranks in the top 10 percentile for homes that are 70 years old and older.

“It lifts up the whole community by bringing housing costs for new homes into the affordable range for the working class,” said Vos.

These working class folks aren’t given Habitat for Humanity homes for free, stressed Vos. Each qualifying family must repay a 0 percent interest loan. None of the local HFH families have ever defaulted on said loan, Vos added.

Habitat for Humanity homes are funded from within Mahaska County, as well as from outside sources, Vos said. Often times, federal matching grants come into play, he said.

“Affordable housing is important to the government,” he said. “At least half the money comes from outside the county to improve housing in the county.”

Vos said his HFH office is looking into projects outside of Oskaloosa. In particular, they’re looking into projects in New Sharon and Fremont.

Vos said, although there are many volunteers, the Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity office is always looking for new volunteer help. To volunteer for Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity, call (641) 295-5805.

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Herald City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com

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Reg Randau speaks at a candidate forum at Smokey Row back in May. At the time, he was running as a Republican for a seat on the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors. Now he’s running as an Independent.