Lance Henning, Exe Director of GDM Habitat for Humanity
Lance Henning, Executive Director of The Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity speaks to members of the Rotary Club of Johnston during the March 21st membership meeting.
Lance addressed the Johnston Rotary Club about the many projects that Habitat for Humanity is involved in throughout the area, state and nation. Among the plans that are in store for the Des Moines area specifically includes:
- Construction of 25 homes this year.
- Rock the Block – a program to assist homeowners to stay in their homes by offering renovation and repair programs. Goal is assist 280 families in this way.
- Financial Foundations for Success – currently assisting 40 families with financial awareness and home budget analysis as a means to teach families to properly control their income and expenses.
- Viva East Program – Home renovation and new construction targeting the near north and east side of Des Moines, including the Birdland Area to construct 23 new homes at Saylor Road at Arthur Avenue in the previously flooded area now protected by the recently re-built levee. There were 270 homes in the flooded area now occupied by just 54 homes.
- There will be a “Blitz Build” of 9 homes on Watson Powell Drive on May 15 by contractors. Assistance is needed to complete the finishing touches on June 12th of this year.
One of the ultimate goals of the organization is to provide a “stable” environment for families, especially those with children. Studies have shown that the more stable the home life is –ability to be at one residence for a long period of time, along with the affordability of living space – the better the school grades and overall behavior of the children involved. A stable household also increases the likelihood of finishing high school as well as the probability of continuing on to college.