Iowa State Fair Build - Greater Des Moines Habitat

Join Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity as we build a complete home at the Iowa State Fair! Volunteer to swing a hammer or help Fairgoers engage with Habitat, or visit to learn more about our work.

About the Build

GDM Habitat is thrilled to be back at the Iowa State Fair for the first time since 2005! Our team and volunteers will build a home over the course of the first nine days of the Fair, then welcome visitors for an open house on the final two days. Meanwhile, we’ll have folks on hand throughout the Fair to share information about Habitat’s mission and impact, connect with our services, and answer questions.

Watch Us Build

Thursday, August 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, August 12, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, August 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, August 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday, August 15, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Lunch break each day 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Tour the Home

Saturday, August 20, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, August 21, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Build Location

The build will be located in the Northwest corner of the Fairgrounds, between Grand Ave. and Gate 13.

Volunteer at the Iowa State Fair Build

Build with Us

Construction volunteers will help us build the home. While the location will be unique, these volunteers will work very much like they’re on a conventional Habitat build – our team of construction managers will guide the work and provide instructions.

No construction experience is required to volunteer
Each build day will feature two shifts:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Volunteers will receive a complimentary entry ticket to the Fair and Iowa State Fair Build T-shirt
Hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves will be provided
Volunteers will receive an invitation to an orientation prior to the Fair
Volunteers may bring personal tool belts emptied of all tools and hardware
Personal tools or hardware will NOT be allowed in the Fairgrounds

Help Tell Our Story

Public engagement volunteers will help us communicate with Fairgoers. These volunteers will staff our visitor booth, helping to distribute giveaway items and informational materials, answer questions, and talk about the build. Habitat staff will be on hand for these opportunities as well.

Specific knowledge of Habitat’s work is not necessary to volunteer for this role
Each day will feature three shifts:
- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Volunteers will receive a complimentary entry ticket to the Fair and Iowa State Fair Build T-shirt
Volunteers will receive an invitation to an orientation prior to the Fair