HOME, Inc. (Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc.): A Legacy of Affordable Housing in Des Moines

A Roots-Deep Mission
Founded in 1967 by a small group of passionate residents, HOME, Inc. emerged from grassroots efforts to address the lack of affordable housing in Des Moines. Proud to be the city’s oldest housing nonprofit, it has evolved into a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency and a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).



Their mission? “To empower our neighbors by helping them overcome the barriers to obtaining and maintaining safe, stable, affordable housing.” Their vision is simple yet profound: “Every person has a place to call home.”

What HOME, Inc. Offers: Services That Matter
HOME, Inc. supports individuals and families across the housing continuum, including:

- Property Development
Builds affordable homes for low- to moderate-income households—like teachers, single parents, and multi-generational families—fueling neighborhood revitalization.

- Hope for Stable Families
Through rental assistance and case management, they help families with school-aged children at risk of eviction maintain housing stability. Impressively, 100% of children served stayed in the same school.

- Homebuyer Education & Counseling
Offers free, structured classes (in-person and online) and one-on-one counseling. These cover finances, credit, budgeting, and navigating the homebuying process—all with an emphasis on empowerment through knowledge.

- Tenant & Landlord Education (RentWise)
RentWise classes clarify tenant rights, lease essentials, maintenance expectations, deposit rules, and more—fostering fairer and more informed rental relationships.

- Metro Home Improvement Program
Offers forgivable grants for essential home system repairs—like roofing, HVAC, and more—for eligible homeowners in Des Moines and surrounding metro areas.

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Community Impact in Numbers
HOME, Inc.'s outreach and impact are truly tangible:

- 2,765 calls received for rental assistance—averaging ~12 per business day—with 93% of clients resolving their housing issues.

- Through Hope for Stable Families, 62 families were kept housed and 100% of children stayed in their schools.

- In homeownership counseling, 34 clients were educated; 94% were minorities and 100% were low-income.

- Financial investments include $914K in low-income neighborhood development and $363K in home repairs, aiding 27 elderly or disabled clients.

A Helping Hand When You Need It
HOME, Inc. doesn't just serve data—they serve people. Locals on community threads often recommend them for renters facing disputes or evictions. One user simply said: “Call Home Inc.: … They are housing counselors.”

Getting Involved
Donate or contribute in these meaningful ways:
- Monetary Donations—via online platforms, checks, credit cards.
- In-Kind Gifts—such as gift cards, transportation support, or bus tokens.
- Donations directly fuel services and programs.



Volunteer Opportunities:
Help with projects like fence builds, tabling at events, or office assistance. Reach out to their Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator, Jayson Shaffer.

Why HOME, Inc. Matters
- Holistic Approach: They tackle both immediate crises and long-term stability—from emergency rental aid to guiding future homeowners.

- Educational Emphasis: Their core belief—you can’t play the game if you don’t know the rules—is their commitment to empowerment through understanding.

- Local Accountability, Proven Results: Deeply rooted in the Des Moines community, their focus remains adaptable, strategic, and impactful.

Final Thoughts
HOME, Inc. is more than a nonprofit—they're a cornerstone of housing equity in Des Moines. Through services, education, counseling, and development, they turn housing obstacles into stepping stones. Whether you're a renter, aspiring homeowner, supporter, or volunteer, HOME, Inc. stands ready to guide you—or amplify the impact we build together.