When CEO of Hubbell Realty Company, Rick Tollakson, and his team were first shown On With Life’s main Ankeny campus by a mutual connection and community leader, they knew it would be the perfect fit for the 6th Hubbell Extreme Build.
“The thoughtful design of the campus and recent enhancements to both the inpatient and outpatient facilities needed to be complimented by additional on-site family housing,”
said Rick.
When approached to be the recipient of the Hubbell Extreme Build, On With Life asked for just one family home. However, once the Hubbell Construction teams saw the overarching layout and future plans for the campus, they decided to build not just one, but both homes that On With Life had envisioned.
Throughout 2023 and 2024 the teams at both Hubbell and On With Life worked hard to fundraise and plan for the project. After months of seeking donors, scheduling trades and figuring out logistics, the Homes of Hope Hubbell Extreme Build officially kicked off the morning of September 13.
The build started with a parade where Hubbell and On With Life staff members, trade partners, volunteers, board members and persons served made their way from one house plot to the other while chanting “Homes of Hope!” The energy and excitement radiating from the crowd was contagious! Once the parade had concluded and opening remarks had been made, it took just seconds before the first walls of the homes were officially up.
On With Life’s campus was buzzing for 60 straight hours as the homes were built at an impressive pace. Because of the dedication of so many crews and volunteers, the project quickly fell ahead of schedule and by the end of day three, night shifts were called off. Work continued over the next couple of days and before the week was over, two brand new beautifully constructed family homes were officially a part of On With Life’s campus.
In October, the teams and community celebrated the official opening of the homes with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Since then, occupancy of both homes has been between 85 - 100% occupancy, and numerous individuals have shared their appreciation for this resource.
“We are proud of the family homes and we hope they are used for years to come,” said Rick.
Each family home has five bedrooms, allowing ten persons served or families to stay on campus. Because of this additional space On With Life has been able to expand who they are able to offer the homes to, including family members visiting persons served who live at the Long- Term Skilled Care facility in Polk City and persons served traveling for outpatient services.
“I needed specialized neuro therapy after my brain injury but after making the long trip to On With Life’s outpatient clinic in Ankeny, I was unable to function during my sessions. On With Life offered me the family home so that I could attend therapy without the burden of expense on me or my family. Their kindness and professionalism has made a significant difference during a challenging time for me, and has allowed me to take my life back.” - Amanda Buenting, an outpatient person served
Learn more about available family housing at www.onwithlife.org/family-house