The Catholic Morning Show

Building Pope Leo Village: Six Affordable Homes Rise in River Bend – Danny Akright – 10/16/2026

Episode Summary

Danny Akright of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity shares how an anonymous donor sparked Pope Leo Village builds nationwide, why Des Moines is raising walls on six affordable homes in River Bend, and how anyone, even those who've never held a hammer, can help.

Episode Notes

Bo Bonner talks with Danny Akright, director of communications for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, about the Pope Leo Village build. Bishop William Joensen blessed the site in April, and walls for six new affordable homes go up on Tuesday in Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood.

Danny discusses:

• How one anonymous donor, inspired by the start of Pope Leo XIV's papacy, launched Pope Leo Village builds at more than a dozen Habitat affiliates nationwide
• GDM Habitat's history since its first completed home in 1987, as it nears its 600th home
• The Catholic Circle of Faith, a group of parishes that has built with Habitat for decades, and a Saturday build day staffed almost entirely by Dowling Catholic students
• Why Habitat relies on volunteers, sweat equity, financial education, and homeowner counseling
• "Skills gained, not required," plus ways to serve beyond the build site at ReStores, in the office, and through advocacy
• Why duplexes and townhomes near Bates Park help more neighbors reach homeownership

Resources:

• Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
• Bishop Blesses Pope Leo Village Groundbreaking (The Catholic Mirror)

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