Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New Housing Triplex Project in Muscatine

Collaborative partners gathered to celebrate the completion of a new housing triplex designed to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable rental housing for families with children attending Jefferson Elementary School.

Pictured: Jamie Leza, Mike Nolan, Kandy Steel, Rich Dwyer, Jason Dornbush, Naomi DeWinter, Jen Petersen, Troy Ross, Nathan Billany, and Kent Pilcher

This project marks the successful launch of a pilot initiative made possible through a $1.25 million grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust and a collaborative partnership among HNI Corporation, Jefferson Elementary School, Muscatine Center for Social Action, Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, Horizon Architecture, and Estes Construction.

Stable housing is a critical foundation for academic success and family well-being. By providing high-quality, consistent housing options, this project aims to support improved school attendance, greater academic achievement, and stronger long-term outcomes for children and their families.

“A pillar of Carver Charitable Trust giving has always been eliminating barriers for young people in their educational pursuits. Providing a sound, comfortable home setting for children may well serve to reduce obstacles that could otherwise interfere with their ability to function in the classroom,” said Troy Ross, CEO of the Carver Trust. “We are pleased to participate in this important partnership among the corporate, education and philanthropic communities in order to affect positive change in Muscatine.”

The triplex includes three family housing units, each with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and shared outdoor space. HNI Corporation generously donated the land at the corner of Orange and Fifth Streets, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to strengthening the Muscatine community.

Muscatine Center for Social Action will manage the property in alignment with its mission to provide housing, basic health care, educational and support services for those in need in Muscatine County. As a trusted community partner, MCSA will steward the property and connect residents with critical services that support family stability and well-being.