In this month’s Nonprofit Spotlight, we are honored to highlight Greater Des Moines (GDM) Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit dedicated to building safe, affordable housing and strengthening communities through partnership, compassion, and hope. Rooted in their mission to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope, the organization is committed to ensuring every person has a decent place to live.
Founded in 1986, GDM Habitat is a Christian ministry that welcomes volunteers and partner families from all backgrounds, races, and religions. Their work centers on building alongside families in need, empowering individuals to achieve stability through homeownership and home repair programs.
In 2023 alone, GDM Habitat partnered with 33 homebuyer families, helping them access the security and opportunity of affordable homeownership. During that same year, they completed 230 home repairs, preservation projects, and weatherization efforts through their Home Preservation program—making existing homes safer, more accessible, and more resilient. Since their inception, they have served more than 2,000 families across the Greater Des Moines community.
Where Community and Mission Come Together
A vital part of GDM Habitat’s work happens inside their two Habitat ReStores, which take in donated building materials, furniture, tools, and home goods from the community. Skilled staff and volunteers refurbish usable items through in-store workshops, extending the life of these materials and offering them back to the public at affordable prices.
Every sale directly supports the Habitat’s homebuilding and repair programs. This cycle—donation, restoration, and reinvestment—creates a powerful chain of community impact, where sustainability and housing stability go hand in hand.
GDM Habitat for Humanity’s dedication to service is strengthened through its long-standing partnership with ReEmployAbility’s Transition2Work program, which connects injured workers with meaningful volunteer opportunities while they recover. Over the years, the GDM Habitat ReStores have hosted 15 Transition2Work participants, offering hands-on roles that support daily store operations, workshop activities, and customer service.
The Volunteer Manager has been a strong champion of the partnership, regularly reaching out for new candidates and ensuring each participant feels supported, valued, and welcomed.
A Volunteer Who Made a Lasting Mark
Among the many injured workers who have served with GDM Habitat, one name continues to stand out: Dennis, a Transition2Work volunteer who assisted during his shoulder surgery recovery several years ago.
During his three-month assignment at the Urbandale ReStore, Dennis became known as a “dynamo” for his exceptional work ethic and thoughtful approach to organizing the building materials aisle. He contributed fresh ideas for product displays and brought a sense of dedication that left a measurable impact on store operations. His presence was so meaningful that staff still talk about him three years later—a reflection of the positive influence that Transtion2Work participants can have.
GDM Habitat for Humanity and its ReStore teams create an environment rooted in empathy, inclusion, and shared purpose. Their commitment to welcoming Transition2Work participants demonstrates the power of partnerships that uplift people—whether they are recovering from an injury, purchasing their first home, or supporting their neighbors through volunteerism.
We are proud to spotlight Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity for their extraordinary work and for the hope they continue to build through out the community.
To learn more about their mission and programs, visit gdmhabitat.org.