University of Iowa women’s basketball assisting with local Habitat for Humanity project

An assist is always appreciated.

For a few hours on Friday morning, the Iowa women’s basketball team will unite through the Women’s Build partnership with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity to help construct a local home.

This year, the home on Blazing Star Drive on the city’s far southwest side will be purchased by Nicole, a single mother in the Iowa City area. The project is expected to be completed by this fall.

“Many people face significant barriers to homeownership,” IVHFH Executive Director Scott Hawes said in a release on Wednesday. “We remove those barriers by ensuring monthly payments do not leave them burdened, not requiring a down payment, and securing affordable financing.”

Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity funds and builds homes for qualified low-income buyers who make less than 80% of the area’s median income.

Several Iowa women’s athletic programs along with the basketball team, will visit the construction site throughout the fall to help see the project through to the finish. The Hawkeyes have participated in the Women’s Build program since 2013, aiding contractors with several tasks, from framing to installing board insulation and house wrap.

The Iowa gymnastics team offered a helping hand earlier this month, while the women’s tennis and softball teams will also visit the construction site.

“Hosting University of Iowa teams and student organizations is really an honor for us. Several Hawkeye coaches have told us they schedule build days each year as team-building exercises off the courts and fields,” Christy Shipley, the project’s construction manager, said in a statement on Wednesday. “These young people are giving back and serving our community; their leadership is critical in encouraging their generation and future generations to support our local non-profits.”

Each year, the Women’s Build project selects a person to help fundraise, recruit construction volunteers and provide general support to a new homeowner. The honorees are selected based on their dedication to improving the community and are also passionate supporters of the local Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

This year’s honoree is Mary Mascher, the former state representative covering south Iowa City, University Heights and some of the surrounding area, including the location of the new home.

“We are so excited to work with Mary on this project,” Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity development director Tami Bonnett wrote. “She is a great advocate for affordable homeownership, believes in serving our community, and is excited to welcome new neighbors to Iowa City’s South District.”

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.