Pope Leo Village
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to serving others, peace, and unity, an anonymous donor has generously stepped forward to rally Greater Des Moines’s youth—alongside volunteers from all walks of life—to construct 6 affordable Habitat homes in Des Moines’s River Bend neighborhood.
Faith in Action
GDM Habitat invites Catholic schools and faith communities to join in this building endeavor. Youth, neighbors, homebuyers, and the wider Greater Des Moines community will come together to build relationships and create opportunities for affordable homeownership.
Anyone moved by the new, U.S.-born pope are welcomed and encouraged to serve others through the Pope Leo Village campaign—donate, fundraise, and volunteer.
The Pope Leo Village is you—youth groups, faith communities, friends, and neighbors joining side by side to do essential work, crafting safe and welcoming homes where families can grow and thrive.
Pope Leo Village house plans depicting a two-story duplex. Three units will be built on the site, providing six total affordable homes.
Join Us
Ground Blessing
On Friday, April 24, friends from the community, the Catholic Circle of Faith, Dowling Catholic High School, the Saint Anthony Middle School Choir, and Bishop William M. Joensen gathered to bless the future Pope Leo Village site.
See photos of the Pope Leo Village ground blessing here.
Build
Construction of the six homes will start later this year, with volunteers shifts starting in October. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved.
“In that service to others we may find that coming together in friendship, building up community, we too can find true meaning in our lives.”
— Pope Leo XIV