John Worley

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 man, woman and child 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. Many residents of Greater Des Moines struggle daily with the lack of decent and affordable housing. More than 10,000 low-income families in our community are stuck in cost-burden rental situations they cannot afford. In neighborhoods with Habitat's focus, more than one out of four homes are in need of repair to preserve the home or keep it at a basic level of safety. In Polk County, thousands of working families do not earn enough to qualify for a traditional mortgage. The average monthly payment for very low-income families would consume half of their monthly income. Rent is no better, the average monthly payment is a cost burden for 75% of this population. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, GDM Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses alongside our homebuyer families.