State Rep. Shannon Latham, a native of Sheffield, has been honored by Habitat for Humanity of Iowa and Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa for her support of workforce housing across the state.
Latham received the Habitat Legacy Builder Award in Mason City at the site of a home being rehabilitated through a partnership between Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa and the city. Habitat officials say Latham played a key role in securing funding through the Housing Renewal Program, which made the project possible.
The program is designed to reduce financial risk for developers working to rehabilitate aging homes in rural and distressed neighborhoods. Habitat for Humanity of Iowa Executive Director Lisa Houser says the program helps cover losses that can prevent developers from saving homes that would otherwise go untouched.
This is the first year Habitat has presented the Legacy Builder Award, recognizing leaders whose work strengthens long-term homeownership opportunities.
Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa is currently rehabilitating three homes in Mason City’s Downtown West neighborhood as part of the program.
