Des Moines, Iowa - Thursday, November 5, 2026 - The first group of participants in the Work That Impacts Housing Program (WTIHP) will graduate Thursday, November 5, after completing the four-month pre-apprenticeship program. The City of Des Moines and Polk County Housing Trust Fund (PCHTF) partnered to create the program, which helps adults explore skilled trades careers while supporting home repairs for eligible homeowners.

Participants gained hands-on experience in residential construction and electrical work. They also learned about career paths, worked alongside City inspectors, and observed active construction projects.

The program addresses two community needs: helping adults prepare for careers in the skilled trades and helping low- to moderate-income homeowners maintain safe homes. Through the City's Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION) program, participants helped complete interior repairs and electrical work that are not typically covered by ION.

"Normally, ION wouldn't provide any interior repairs. It's an exterior-repair-only program, so this program has opened the door to provide that extra work for people that need it the most," said Property Improvement Administrator Dan Grauerholz.

The City's ION program primarily provides exterior home improvements for eligible homeowners in Des Moines. The WTIHP partnership expands that support while giving participants practical job skills and experience. The program also highlights the role skilled trades can play in building stronger neighborhoods.

The inaugural cohort will be recognized at the WTIHP Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation and Celebration on Thursday, November 5.

• Location: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' C3 Center, Maddie's Place Center
• Time: 4 to 7 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the program begins at 4:30 p.m.
• Address: 1910 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines

As the first cohort completes the program, the City and PCHTF hope to build on the pilot's success by creating more pathways to skilled trades careers, supporting needed home repairs, and strengthening Des Moines neighborhoods.

Contact
Emily Wankum
Communications Specialist II, City Manager's Office
(515) 283-4028
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live there. Visit DSM.city, Facebook, and X for more information.