DES MOINES, IOWA (May 28, 2026) — This week, inside six John Deere facilities across Iowa, employees are framing and assembling walls of entire homes. Habitat for Humanity crews will transport those finished panels to home sites in Des Moines, the Quad Cities, Waterloo, and Dubuque, where the walls will be raised and completed into new homes for local families.
This marks the first time Habitat affiliates in the state have worked together, allowing more homes to be built across multiple communities at the same time. More than 1,200 John Deere employees are volunteering on job sites supporting home builds, on-site panel builds, and Habitat ReStore projects.
Across Iowa, the need is significant: more than 319,000 Iowa households spend over thirty percent of their income on housing, leaving less room in their budgets for essentials like food, health care, and transportation, which makes it harder for families to stay financially stable over time. Nearly a quarter of households in the state are facing that kind of pressure.
“It’s inspiring to see the scale of John Deere’s Building Our Communities initiative, with this level of investment of time, energy, and funds into Iowa communities,” said Lisa Houser, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Iowa.
“This initiative shows that John Deere is doubling down on support for affordable home-ownership across our state, taking the partnership that we’ve seen for years to a whole new level.”
In many communities, volunteers will work side by side with future homeowners, offering a hands-on way to support families working toward home-ownership.
"We wanted to create as many ways as possible for people to show up and help," said Taryn Edgin, President of the John Deere Foundation.
"Whether employees are building alongside future homeowners or framing walls on-site at one of our facilities, that's what this is about. Neighbors helping neighbors."
In 2026, John Deere’s $1.2 million support across Iowa is expected to help build or rehabilitate more than 30 homes in partnership with Habitat affiliates statewide. John Deere also matches employee donations to Habitat at 200% from June 1 to July 31, tripling every dollar employees contribute.
Commented [DS1]: Each affiliate should add their own communication contact and affiliate logo Company Use John Deere and Habitat for Humanity have partnered for more than fifteen years to support affordable homeownership and strengthen local communities. Over the past five years, John Deere and its employees have contributed more than $6.5 million to Habitat’s work across Iowa.
Through Habitat for Humanity’s program, families partner to purchase homes with an affordable mortgage, helping create long-term stability and a place to call their own.
By the numbers
• Employee volunteers: 1,200
• Employee volunteer hours: 2,500+
• John Deere facilities hosting panel builds: 6
• Homes constructed and rehabbed in 2026: 30+
• John Deere Foundation support:
o $1.2 million in direct grants in 2026 ($6.5 million over the past five years)
o 200% match on employee donations from June 1 to July 3
About HFHQC
Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities is dedicated to building thriving communities. For over 33 years, the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate has served low-income families with the construction of affordable homes. Habitat also operates a home repair program and an accessibility ramp program for low-income home-owners.
About Deere and Company
It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, we work for every single person on the planet.
It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more.
We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of US policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
