Owning a home can bring safety, stability, and comfort, but repairs can be costly.

We understand that pulling together the cash for a major repair may not be possible for all homeowners. Our Home Preservation Program makes repairs affordable for low-income homeowners, allowing them to get work done now and pay for it later – sometimes years down the line.

Homeowners are invited to apply for the program and are accepted based on their household income and assessed home value.

Repair services fall under four distinct categories:

  • Exterior Repairs (such as roofs and siding)
  • Critical Home Repair (such as furnaces and water heaters)
  • Weatherization (such as windows and insulation)
  • Accessibility (such as ramps, grab bars, and bath modifications)

Learn more about how our program works or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

What does “Home Preservation” mean?

By helping you make the repairs that your home needs, we’re helping you preserve your home and your ability to own your home. It’s that simple!

Seasonal Pause

Due to holiday interruptions, GDM Habitat for Humanity is pausing the processing of applications. In the meantime, please click the button below to add your information to our interest list and our team will reach out to you when we resume.

Additional Opportunity

The Iowa Finance Authority has initiated the Iowa Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Pilot Program. Through this program, you may qualify for up to $35,000 in repairs to your home at no cost to you. To apply for this program, please contact our team at repairs@gdmhabitat.org or 515-318-5747. You may learn more about the program and access the application form at iowafinance.com/repair. Applications will only be accepted through March 29, 2024.

Why Habitat?

Habitat for Humanity is a community leader in creating and preserving affordable homeownership. Our goal is to help you remain in your home by making the repairs your home needs affordable. Here are some of the key facts:

  • Since our program started in 2009, we have completed more than 2,500 repairs, including…
  • nearly 300 repairs in 2022!
  • Our team of trained construction managers is dedicated to completing your repair correctly and completely.
  • We call in licensed and insured expert contractors for more technical jobs involving electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.
  • As a non-profit organization, our only goal is to help you stay safely in your home, not to make money.

Hear from homeowners who have partnered with Habitat

Repairs

Our Home Preservation Program can help with all kinds of repairs, from simple things like re-painting a house to complicated things like installing a new furnace. No matter what TLC your home may need, we’re here to help.

Examples of completed repairs:

  • Window and door replacement
  • Roof repair and replacement
  • Siding repair and replacement
  • House painting
  • Porch and stoop repair or replacement
  • Foundation repair
  • Accessibility ramp construction
  • Doorway widening for accessibility
  • Walk-in bath and shower installation
  • Grab bar installation
  • Furnace replacement
  • Air conditioner replacement
  • Water heater replacement
  • Plumbing repairs
  • Electrical repairs
  • and more!

Who does the repairs?

Our team of construction managers has experience with a wide variety of repairs and home projects, and they take the lead on many of the home repairs we complete. When a home repair requires specialized knowledge, such as electrical or plumbing, we call in expert partners to help complete the repairs.

One of the ways Habitat for Humanity keeps repairs affordable is through the use of volunteers. Small groups of volunteers from across the community may help with a project, always led by our trained construction managers. Their helping hands allow us to get more work done more quickly and more affordably.

No matter who completes your home repair, you can rest assured that it will be done correctly and completely. What’s more? Every Habitat home repair is backed up by a one-year warranty.

Click here to meet our team.

Repairs for Seniors

The longer seniors are able to remain in their homes, the better their outcomes in health and quality of life. Our team helps Central Iowa homeowners remain in their homes by making modifications to increase accessibility and safety.

Additional funding and qualification options may apply to senior applicants.

Examples of Aging at Home modifications:

  • Construction of accessibility ramps
  • Installation of grab bars
  • Installation of step-in bathtubs

Contact our team at repairs@gdmhabitat.org to learn more.

Repairs for Veterans

Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity is a Veterans Build affiliate. This means that we have a special commitment to serving those who’ve served our country through affordable home repairs. Veterans who apply for home repair services may have additional qualification options, including a higher income limit.

Contact our team at repairs@gdmhabitat.org to learn more.

Seasonal Pause

Due to holiday interruptions, GDM Habitat for Humanity is pausing the processing of applications. In the meantime, please click the button below to add your information to our interest list and our team will reach out to you when we resume.

Have questions? Contact the Home Preservation Program team