Posted by Board of Supervisors and Public Relations
Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs is expanding its reach throughout Pottawattamie County, aiming to bring homeownership, critical home repairs and other programs to more communities beyond Council Bluffs.
Kim Smith, director of programs and development, and Caitlyn Lewis, community outreach AmeriCorps member, recently presented to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors to highlight the organization’s work and opportunities to serve more residents across all parts of the county.
Founded locally in 1992, Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs focuses on four primary areas: homeownership, home repair, neighborhood revitalization and the Habitat ReStore.
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New homeownership opportunities in Minden
One of Habitat’s most significant steps outside Council Bluffs is coming to Minden, where the organization is preparing to build six townhomes with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding following the April 2024 tornado.
Habitat was selected as the developer for the project, which Smith said is expected to break ground soon. The homes will be available to qualifying buyers earning 80% or less of the area median income.
The Minden project joins several other homes currently in Habitat’s construction pipeline, including the next phase of the Baldwin Court development in Council Bluffs and homes built through a partnership with students in the Council Bluffs Community School District’s TradeWorks Academy.
Helping homeowners stay in their homes
Habitat’s Home Repair Program has already become an important way for the organization to reach residents throughout Pottawattamie County.
The program helps qualifying homeowners address critical needs such as roofing, HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical work, windows and doors, accessibility modifications and other repairs. Habitat invests up to $10,000 per repair, secured through a five-year forgivable mortgage.
Smith told supervisors Habitat currently has approximately 30 repair requests in various stages, from initial inquiries to completed projects. About 20% are located outside Council Bluffs ZIP codes, demonstrating a growing reach into other parts of the county.
The program can be particularly important for older adults and residents living on limited incomes who may be able to manage their regular household expenses but lack the resources for an unexpected critical repair.
“[The program] has really stabilized people,” Smith told the Board.
Investing in neighborhoods
Habitat is also looking at ways to expand its Neighborhood Revitalization program into rural communities.
The initiative works directly with residents to identify priorities and opportunities to strengthen their neighborhoods. In 2025, Habitat partnered with National Indemnity and Berkshire Hathaway to invest more than $200,000 in a Council Bluffs neighborhood, completing more than 100 home improvement projects with the help of more than 150 volunteers.
Projects through Habitat’s annual Rock the Block event can range from landscaping and exterior improvements to siding, steps, fences and other repairs.
ReStore supports Habitat’s local work
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore also plays an important role in supporting the organization’s programs. The discount home improvement store accepts new and used furniture, appliances and surplus building materials, keeping usable materials out of landfills while offering them to shoppers at prices typically 50 to 70% below retail.
Smith emphasized that proceeds from items donated locally remain in Habitat’s service area and support its work in the community. Habitat is also exploring ways to make ReStore donation pickup more accessible to rural residents, including the possibility of designated community pickup days.
As Habitat continues to grow its presence throughout Pottawattamie County, Smith said the organization is looking for opportunities to connect with rural communities and develop partnerships that can bring more of its programs to residents countywide.
“It is our goal to move all of our programs out into the rural areas,” Smith said.
Residents interested in Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs programs, volunteer opportunities or ways to support the organization can learn more at habitatcb.org.
Pottawattamie County values the organizations working every day to strengthen our communities and serve our residents. Through presentations to the Board of Supervisors, local nonprofits and community organizations have an opportunity to share their work, build connections and help increase awareness of resources available throughout the county. Learn more about presenting to the Board.
