Wells Fargo is committing $1.5 million to Habitat for Humanity, No. 30 on the 2026 Builder 100 list, to support innovative and affordable housing solutions in rural communities across the nation, with a particular focus on modular construction.
“Along with our traditional home building model, modular homes are an added solution to the housing affordability crisis,” says J. Edwin Hensley, director, U.S. construction at Habitat for Humanity International. “This is a national push. With the support of Wells Fargo, we have the opportunity to prove this can work in rural, suburban, and urban communities.”
Announced at the Iowa State Fair, the investment includes $1 million for Habitat for Humanity International to advance housing innovation efforts and $500,000 for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to expand affordable housing opportunities in central Iowa communities.
The initiative comes as housing affordability challenges persist nationwide and many communities face ongoing housing shortages. Habitat plans to use the funding to expand alternative construction methods. The approach can help reduce construction timelines, improve efficiency, and expand homeownership opportunities in areas with limited contractor or volunteer availability.
“Homeownership creates stability for families and strengthens communities,” says Lance Henning, CEO of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. “For far too many Iowans, homeownership feels out of reach. Everyone should be able to afford to live in the community where they work and where their kids go to school. This investment from Wells Fargo will help support new affordable homeownership opportunities right here in Iowa and all across the country.”
In addition to the funding announcement, Wells Fargo employees partnered with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity during the state fair to build wheelchair ramps for local homeowners, highlighting efforts to support aging in place and accessible housing.
The latest commitment builds on a long-standing partnership between Wells Fargo and Habitat for Humanity. Since 2015, Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation have contributed more than $105 million to Habitat and its local affiliates to support affordable housing, home repairs, neighborhood revitalization, and disaster response initiatives.
