Frequent Questions

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs builds simple, affordable homes with and for families, couples and individuals in need of housing.

Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs is funded entirely by donations and staffed largely with volunteers. We are always in need of individuals willing to pitch in to help a neighbor in need. Visit our How You Can Help section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

Administrative costs are covered by the Habitat ReStore revenue so that 100% of cash donations can be used to build homes. All contributions are used where most needed, for construction materials, building permits, subcontractor fees or other construction expenses.

Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit. For more detailed information visit our Privacy Policy page.

No. In addition to the hundreds of hours of sweat equity that homeowners put into the building of their homes, they purchase their homes through an affordable low interest mortgage provided by Habitat Council Bluffs Loan Pool.

Families, couples or individuals interested in Homeownership, but may not qualify for a conventional loan through a mortgage lender, can apply to Habitat Council Bluffs Homeownership Program. Habitat Council Bluffs assesses each applicant’s level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay a low-interest mortgage loan. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing who receives a Habitat home; however, applicants must attend an Information Session with Habitat CB staff to learn more about the specific program requirements and application process.

Habitat volunteers work on many tasks in the operation of Habitat Council Bluffs. In addition to helping to build/renovate Habitat homes here in Council Bluffs, volunteers help with special events, mailings, fundraising, preparing mailings and in the Habitat ReStore.

Yes. Habitat needs volunteers to work on many tasks, including working on special events, mentoring families, fundraising, preparing mailings, and providing coffees and lunches at the construction site. Call our office for more information.

Habitat ReStore is a discount home improvement outlet that sells new, used, and surplus building materials, furniture and home décor at prices 50-70% less than their retail cost. In addition to providing the public with low-cost building materials, Habitat ReStore helps the environment by diverting usable materials from local landfills. All proceeds from the Habitat Council Bluffs ReStore got to support the Homeownership program locally.

All the items we take must be:

• Reusable: The item must be made for use in or can easily be used directly in residential or light commercial construction, improvement, maintenance, or furnishing by the common home or small business owner.
• Structurally Sound & Complete: The item must be complete, intact, sturdy and free of damage.
• Functional: The item must be able to do what it was made to do. It needs to be ready to work “right off the shelf” without repair.
• Cosmetically Appealing: The item must be appealing for reuse “as is” in another person’s home, something you’d give to friends or family.
• Sell-able: Our trained staff must determine that the item will sell in our store.

Items We Can’t Accept

• Hazardous/Flammable Chemicals
• TVs/Electronics
• Mattresses/Box Springs
• Clothing/Drapes and curtains
• Unframed Glass or Mirrors
• Baby Items/Toys/Furniture/Car Seats
• Paint, thinners and stains
• Used Carpeting
• Oversized or Commercial Doors/Windows
• Scrap wood (under 6 foot in length)
• Items that are stained/torn/missing parts or needing repair

Items We Love

• Building Materials
• Lumber
• Hardware
• Trim
• Residential Doors and Windows
• Flooring
• Light Fixtures/Ceiling Fans
• Hand/Power Tools
• Cabinets/Vanities
• Large Appliances
• Furniture
• Plumbing Fixtures
• Home Décor
• Scrap Metals
• Automotive items
• Outdoor Furniture
• Electrical Supplies
• Plumbing & Heating Supplies
• Lawn & Garden

The majority of the donations that we receive are dropped off during normal business hours of Tuesday – Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The ReStore is closed on Sunday and Mondays. We ask that our donors refrain from dropping off items outside of our business hours as we want to make sure your donation is received and safely brought indoors without damage from the elements.

Yes, we have a member of our staff do larger pick ups once or twice a week. Due to the fact that we have a very small staff, we ask that if your donation will fit in your vehicle, that you bring your donation to the ReStore. We will be happy to help to unload your donation and provide you with a donation receipt. If you have questions about our pick up service, please call 712-256-0838.

If we are able to set up a donation pick up, we prefer that all items be at street level, either in a garage or on a driveway.

Habitat for Humanity International and its affiliated organizations will not proselytize. Nor will HFH work with entities or individuals who insist on proselytizing as part of their work with HFH. This means that HFH will not offer assistance on the expressed or implied condition that people must adhere to or convert to a particular faith or listen and respond to messaging designed to induce conversion to a particular faith. Habitat Council Bluffs accepts everyone regardless of age, race, sex, orientation or ethnic background.