News Release   May 29, 2026

First Statewide Habitat for Humanity Build Across Iowa Supported by 1,200 John Deere Volunteers

MOLINE, Ill. (May 29, 2026) — Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Iowa and the Quad Cities are coming together for the first time to build homes simultaneously in multiple communities, with support from more than 1,200 John Deere employee volunteers.

In early June, teams at six John Deere facilities will frame and assemble wall panels for new homes. Habitat crews will then transport those panels to build sites in Des Moines, the Quad Cities, Waterloo, and Dubuque, where they will be raised and completed into homes for local families. The coordinated effort allows affiliates to expand their impact at the same time across the state, with volunteers supporting traditional home builds, on-site panel builds, and Habitat ReStore projects.

Across Iowa, the need is significant: more than 319,000 Iowa households spend over 30 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 homeownership 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 homeownership.

"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 and the Quad Cities 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.

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:
    • $1.2 million in direct grants in 2026 ($6.5 million over the past five years)
    • 200% match on employee donations from June 1 to July 31

About Deere & 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.

For further information, the news media should contact:
Jen Hartmann
Global Director, Corporate Reputation and Brand Marketing
Deere & Company
PublicRelations@JohnDeere.com