Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

We're excited to welcome Livia as our new Dallas County Community Partnerships Coordinator!

Be sure to follow Dallas County Habitat for Humanity to learn about our programs and get involved with our mission in Dallas County.

Hi there! My name is Livia Van Donselaar, and I am the new Dallas County Community Partnerships Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity. I was born and raised in Perry; some of you may know me as Livia Mowrer.

I am excited to be a part of Habitat and invest in the community that has been such an important part of my own story. Since I grew up in Perry, worked in Dallas Center for years, and have family in Adel, I am passionate about making an impact in Dallas County! My faith is the most important thing in my life, and I love Habitat's mission to put God's love into action to build homes, communities, and hope and the vision of everyone having a decent place to live.

Growing up in Perry, my favorite things were playing softball and coaching with my parents, volunteering at a local after-school program, and eating at Casa De Oro (my favorite!). I am now married to my wonderful husband, Cole. I love actively engaging in ministry at my church, traveling around the world, and being an auntie to my nieces and nephews.

I welcome the opportunity to connect with you, hear your heart for the community, and discuss ways to partner to create, preserve, and champion homeownership in Dallas County. Please feel free to reach out: [email protected]. I’m excited to meet you!

10/21/2026

THANK YOU to the incredible volunteers who are building six new affordable homes at Pope Leo Village this week!

We were honored to kickoff yesterday with Bishop William M. Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines, City of Des Moines - Government Mayor Connie Boesen, Rob Barron, Des Moines City Council Ward 1, Dowling Catholic High School student volunteers, members from the Catholic Circle of Faith, and several local River Bend community members.

10/21/2026

This fun moment between Bishop Joensen and Mayor Connie Boesen perfectly captures the cross-community support that has made our Pope Leo Village development possible.

10/20/2026

We were thrilled to kick off our Pope Leo Village blitz build this morning. Thanks to our hardworking volunteers, construction is well underway on six new affordable homes coming soon to Des Moines' River Bend Neighborhood.

Pope Leo has inspired a nationwide movement of homebuilding, with plans for more than 250 homes currently underway.

Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity's Pope Leo Village is part of a national trend to build affordable housing built in the pope's honor.

10/20/2026

At this morning's Pope Leo Village wall raising, we asked Bishop Joensen of the Diocese of Des Moines why Habitat for Humanity's work is important to him as a member of the Catholic Faith.

10/19/2026

We're thrilled to have Melissa coordinating our partnerships in Warren County! Follow Warren County Habitat for Humanity to stay up to date on our programs and volunteer opportunities in Warren County.

My name is Melissa Gradichnig, and I am excited to introduce myself as Habitat for Humanity’s new Community Partnership Coordinator in Warren County.

My husband and I have lived in Indianola for nearly 10 years, and I have worked in our community for the last 5 years. I love this community! You might have seen me around through my work at WeLIFT Resource Center, where I have served for almost 2 years as a Community Navigator. I look forward to serving the Warren County community through both of my roles, helping connect our neighbors with resources to serve them.

If you are interested in applying for Habitat’s home ownership program, volunteering or just want to have coffee and hear more about what Habitat is doing in Indianola, please email me at [email protected] or call 515-471-8686.
In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my 7 grandkids, going to football and baseball games, reading to the younger ones, and sometimes just doing nothing together. My husband and I enjoy traveling when we can, and we enjoy supporting local businesses in Indianola.

If you see me around town, please say hi! I would love to chat with you about the important work we’re doing and how it lifts up our whole community.

10/17/2026

The promise of home is relief. Yet for many people, housing has become a source of stress rather than stability.

According to a new Habitat for Humanity report, 48% of people globally say one unexpected problem could threaten their ability to stay housed.

Read the report at Habitat.org/HomeAtWhatCost and learn how you can get involved locally at gdmhabitat.org

10/16/2026

Thank you, EMC Insurance for joining us for a Panel Build in our warehouse yesterday. The rainy weather couldn't stop this awesome crew from building the walls for a future Walnut Crossing townhome in Waukee! 🏘️

10/15/2026

Karem said today is the first day of his new life. After adding his key to our wall, he officially became a Habitat homeowner!

He can't wait to invite his family over, and he looks forward to starting a garden in his new backyard. Please join us in welcoming Karem to his new home.