Though the pandemic has slowed down progress for Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity Helping Hands repair projects in Guthrie County, one project was completed in a couple days work thanks to one of its Board members.

Jim Henderson built an approximate 14 foot long handicap accessible ramp and platform at the home of Jose and Nancy Espinosa in Panora which he completed on Saturday, August 29th. Henderson has served on the Guthrie County Habitat for Humanity Board for a couple of years, but this was the first time he helmed a home repair project for the organization. Henderson says it took some time and planning with Heart of Iowa Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jeff Lamoureux before embarking on the project, “It was one of those deals that just kept getting pushed back because of prior commitments and stuff like that. So I called Jeff and I said, ‘Hey, I might have some time to work on this, this weekend. Can you line up, make sure the materials are there?’ So he did and I got there and decided I’m not leaving until this is done.”

The Helping Hands home repair program partners volunteers with low and moderate-income homeowners to perform critical home repairs and maintenance, such as painting, siding, new windows and doors, roofing, gutter and downspouts, and more. This project was made possible through a grant from the Guthrie County Community Foundation. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with home repair projects in the county. For more information visit this story at raccoonvalleyradio.com.