Christmas

Christ

Thank you for following along with us this Advent season! On Christmas day, we celebrate the arrival of hope, peace, love and are reminded that these gifts dwell right here, at home.

This holiday season, we celebrate not only the coming of these gifts but also the hope made visible through every home restored, every neighbor welcomed and every family embraced.

Thank you for helping ICCF build homes filled with hope, peace, love and joy, together.

“The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.”

Week 4

Love

After nearly thirty years with ICCF Community Homes, John still sees building affordable homes as a labor of love. For him, home is more than a roof. Home is community, belonging, and shared life.

A former staff member of 24 years, John now volunteers with ICCF’s Community Homes Initiative, restoring houses for families to call their own. John believes that love is worked out in practical and tangible ways through ICCF. “Love takes action. Love makes commitments. Love brings peace,” he says. Through his work, John helps lower costs so more families can afford a home.

Love shows up with work gloves, open hands, and a heart for neighbors.

“Love takes action. Love makes commitments. Love brings peace. Love provides an environment where people can be their best.”

Week 3

Joy

For Melissa, joy began to return the day she found a safe place to call home. After fleeing domestic violence, she connected with ICCF’s Step Forward program, which helps families at risk of homelessness find and maintain stable housing. With their support, Melissa rebuilt her confidence and independence. “Not only did ICCF help me with the house, but they also helped get my resume together,” she says. “They taught me I was capable.”

Inside her new home, joy blossomed! Her children began to thrive, filling their days with friends and laughter. “I love being that mom whose house feels safe,” she smiles.

This Advent, Melissa’s story reminds us that lasting joy grows where healing and hope take root.

“Seeing my children come through the door with a smile on their face, that’s the most rewarding joy I can have.”

Week 2

Peace

Through ICCF Community Homes, Doug and Leslie partner with their church to restore neighborhood homes and volunteer at Family Haven, ICCF’s family shelter. They believe that peace (shalom) is built one household at a time.

“The core of having shalom in our community starts in someone’s home,” they shared. “When families feel secure, that changes our city and moves us toward shalom.”

As Doug and Leslie see it, life is about more than simply surviving. In every nail hammered and every brush lifted, they see the work of peace taking shape for a future resident.

Their story reminds us that every act of care, big or small, helps lay a foundation for peace in the lives of our neighbors.

“We’ve been blessed with homes that are safe and secure. We’d like the same peace for others.”

Week 1

Hope

For years, Juanita and her two sons dreamed of a home to call their own. As a single mom facing rising rents and a competitive market, that dream often felt out of reach. “Every time I placed a bid, someone outbid me,” she said. “I got discouraged.”

Still, Juanita held on to hope. Through ICCF Community Homes’ Individual Development Account program, she gained the tools and support to become a homeowner.

“The day I got my keys, I sat in the house just soaking it all in,” she said. “This is my home. My children’s home. We can make memories here.”

Hope built the home she once only dreamed of.

“If I can do it, you can do it. Don’t give up. Keep going. It’s worth it.”