For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026
Media Contact: Zach Carlyle | doc.media@iowa.gov | (515) 415-7235
MASON CITY, Iowa – Homes for Iowa, Inc. proudly marked a major milestone today with the placement of its 150th home, delivered to Mason City in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa.
The home placement represents more than a single delivery — it reflects years of collaboration, workforce training, and a shared commitment to expanding attainable homeownership across Iowa communities.
“This milestone is about people and partnerships,” said David Miller, Executive Director of Homes for Iowa. “Reaching our 150th home in Mason City alongside Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa highlights what’s possible when organizations work together to strengthen communities, create second chances, and put quality homes where they’re needed most.”
Homes for Iowa builds high-quality modular homes through a unique partnership with the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries. Homes are constructed at the Newton Correctional Facility, where incarcerated individuals receive hands-on training in skilled trades — helping reduce recidivism while preparing a workforce for Iowa’s future.
The Mason City home was placed today by Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa, whose mission-driven work aligns closely with Homes for Iowa’s focus on affordability, stability, and long-term community impact.
“This home represents more than a structure — it represents opportunity, stability, and hope,” said Melissa Schoneberg, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa. “Partnering with Homes for Iowa on their 150th home has been rewarding and together, we’re proving that collaboration and purpose-driven housing can create lasting impact for families in Iowa and for Mason City.”
“This is exactly the kind of collaboration that moves the needle,” Miller added. “Habitat’s deep local roots and commitment to homeowners make them an ideal partner as we continue scaling our impact across the state.”
Homes for Iowa deliver nearly move-in-ready homes statewide, offering flexibility for buyers to customize the homes by adding finishes such as flooring, paint, and appliances. Since its first delivery in 2020, the organization has placed homes in more than 50 Iowa Counties, helping communities address housing shortages, while investing in people.
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About Homes for Iowa
Homes for Iowa, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, addresses the state’s housing shortage by building high-quality modular homes while providing skilled trades training to incarcerated individuals, helping reduce recidivism and strengthen Iowa’s workforce while providing affordable homes statewide.
This innovative public-private partnership with the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa Prison Industries operates out of the Newton Correctional Facility in Newton, IA. Since its first home delivery in 2020, Homes for Iowa has placed more than 150 homes across 51 counties.
Homes for Iowa homes can be purchased directly from Homes for Iowa. Inc. and delivered to any of Iowa’s 99 counties. Information, housing plans and options can be found online at www.homesforia.com.
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About Iowa Prison Industries
Iowa Prison Industries is a self-funded state agency that provides work training programs for incarcerated individuals, producing high-quality products and services for public and nonprofit agencies.
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About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is dedicated to providing safe and effective incarceration and rehabilitation services, promoting community safety, and supporting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals.
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