house 140

House #140

Komlan & Adjo

about the family
Komlan and Adjo are originally from Togo. They are so excited to have a home that they can invest in and relieved knowing they won’t have to worry about expensive rent anymore. It has been a big challenge to have small children in a little apartment without any outdoor space to play in. Komlan said it’s worth working very hard sometimes, even Saturdays and Sundays, knowing he will be able to provide this space for his children.

What homeowner ship means to them
"Homeownership is hard work but so important to provide a safe place for the children to play outside & also give them a legacy. This is common for families in Togo to give new families a head start in life."

became a partner family
2023

groundbreaking
Saturday, March 23, 2024

dedication
Thursday, December 19, 2024

build sponsors
This project has been supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 to the State of Iowa by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

in-kind donors
Comfort Concepts QCA Schneider
Electric/Square D (breaker box)
Cree (light bulbs)
Sherwin-Williams
Baecke Appraisers
Steve’s Mirror & Glass
Hy-Vee
Hampton Crane Inc
Whirlpool Corporation
Ryan Weber, Attorney Gomez, May, LLP
Klingner & Associates, PC (survey)

family mentors
Once accepted into the Habitat program, Komlan & Adjo were paired with Shannon Panjwani who worked with them throughout the program.

groundbreaking
Komlan & Adjo worked to earn their sweat equity hours. Sweat equity refers to time spent working on job sites, working at our restore or office, hours spent attending classes to learn about budgeting, use of credit, home maintenance and escrow/insurance. Every adult in the home must earn 250 hours, not easy when working, raising a family, but they are well on their way. Now they can earn sweat equity working on their own home.

work begins on the house
Families get to pick from 3 different house plans once they meet their sweat equity needs.

work groups
Employers throughout the community sponsored 62 work groups for their employees in 2024.
John Deere – Andrew S. Team, John Deere – Dave W. Team, John Deere – Ken C. Team, John Deere – Team NEON, North Ridge Church, QCWOC, Russell Construction, St. Paul Lutheran Church.

the build
Habitat has the best volunteers in the world! Their love and hard work ensures the success of this build. With supervisor Jimmie and Dave this build was possible.

Volunteer Supervisor Jimmie

Volunteer Supervisor Dave

dedication
To earn their homes, Komlan & Adjo have each offered 250 hours of sweat equity as required by Habitat International. Not only have they been working hard by building their homes, they have also been learning about becoming responsible homeowners by attending classes to learn about budgeting, use of credit, home maintenance and escrow/insurance. All while working full time and attending to family needs. We are so proud of them for their hard work to earn this opportunity to become homeowners!

the finished house
Komlan & Adjo will now start their mortgage payments. Habitat homeowners pay a low-down payment on a zero percent interest mortgage for 25-30 years. Monthly payments will be affordable at less than 30% of their household income.