Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (GDM Habitat) brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. GDM Habitat is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every person should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We are about building with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.

In 2019 Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity partnered with the Des Moines community to build hope with 28 partner homebuyer families, giving 123 people, including 69 children, the greatest gift of all – a brighter future that they can make their own. Together we completed nearly 250 home repairs, preservation, and weatherization projects with existing homeowners and in community areas through GDM Habitat’s Rock the Block® program. Since our inception in 1986, we have served nearly 1,800 total families.

Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, GDM Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our home buyer families.

GDM Habitat does not give away homes. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and other Habitat houses.

Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans.

The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.

Habitat homeowner property taxes contribute to the local economy.

GDM Habitat ReStores sell new and gently used home improvement materials to the public at discount prices.  All proceeds benefit GDM Habitat’s mission of building homes, communities, and hope.