Human Stories, Lasting Impact

This is LeAnne. The Housing Navigator in our North Central Iowa office in Mason City. We recently had a chance to sit with her and talk about what she does. When people hear the title Housing Navigator, they usually imagine someone pointing at apartments on a map and saying, "How about this one?" The reality is closer to being a tour guide, coach, problem-solver, translator, cheerleader, technology support desk, landlord liaison, and occasional emotional support human, all rolled into one. LeAnne

When we entered T’s new apartment, she had her leg propped on a lime-green ottoman, an ice-filled Ziploc bag resting on her scarred knee. It's always hard to see someone sidelined by an injury, but she remained in good spirits. “Welcome to my home! Took y’all long enough. I got ready just for you. Showering is a tough job with a bum knee!” T has a 1,000 watt smile and radiant brown eyes. She’s the kind of person who is almost disarmingly positive, always able

Hi, my name is Rich, and I’m the new Communications and Events Manager. I’m also a past program participant. My path here was a long and winding one. Just three years ago, a cycle of addiction had stripped away everything good in my life: a loving family, a promising career, and a sense of purpose. A moment of desperation and a forgiving family member led me to substance abuse treatment in Iowa, where I learned about Friends of the Family’s housing services. After completing