L-R: Juanita Gallegos and Lance Henning
This year, Lance Henning will celebrate 20 years as CEO of GDM Habitat for Humanity and Juanita Gallegos will celebrate the purchase of her Habitat home. We caught up with them to talk about leadership, homeownership, and their impact on our community.
Q: How does Habitat serve as a leader in our community?
A: As our community takes the early steps to begin addressing our housing supply issue, Habitat serves as a voice for affordable homeownership, especially for the workforce that is essential to a healthy and thriving metro. We must continue to bring together representatives from across the community and advance affordable homeownership. – Lance Henning
Q: What do you find rewarding about leading your clients through their journeys?
A: The most rewarding aspect of being an addiction counselor is helping women see their value, walking beside them through their recovery journey. Having just celebrated 10 years of recovery myself, I know how imperative it is to have supports in your life to teach and inspire you to make positive change. – Juanita Gallegos
Q: What roles do Habitat and homeownership play in providing stability for you and your family?
A: As a single mother with one income, the dream of homeownership did not seem possible. Habitat for Humanity case managers guided me through the process and encouraged me to not give up on my dream. Habitat will allow me and my children to experience what home really means. – Juanita Gallegos
Q: How do you balance Habitat’s responsibilities for the present and future?
A: We’re building a better Des Moines for everyone. Affordable housing is needed all over the metro, both in the areas where Habitat traditionally builds and in areas of opportunity across our suburbs. We’re exploring new ways to address our housing supply problem and calling on leaders at all levels to join us. – Lance Henning
2200 E Euclid Ave | Des Moines, IA 50317 | (515) 471-8686 | www.gdmhabitat.org
