Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 147th House in East Moline, Funded by John Deere Foundation
Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities dedicated its 147th home in East Moline, funded entirely by the John Deere Foundation. The $200,000 house will benefit a single mother who has worked in the Quad Cities for over 19 years.
Affordable Housing Initiative Brings New Home to East Moline Single Mother
Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities dedicated its 147th home in East Moline on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking a significant milestone in their affordable housing efforts across the region.
The $200,000 construction project at 1360 Morton Drive was entirely funded by the John Deere Foundation, which also provided 195 hours of volunteer labor from its employees since July 2025.
So the Quad Cities, as most people know, is facing a growing affordable housing shortage
Habitat for Humanity QC Development Director Cassandra Erwin noted that homelessness has increased 44 percent in the past year according to Project Now. She also stated that 74 percent of extremely low-income families are cost burdened, paying up to 50 percent of their entire income on housing costs.
The new home will benefit a single mother who has worked in the Quad Cities for over 19 years. Erwin said the recipient is excited to have her own home where she can host family and friends, especially relatives from out of the country.
Requirements for Habitat Homeownership
Families who apply to qualify for a Habitat home must assist in the home build or on another construction project totaling 250 hours. Applicants also need to attend homeownership preparation classes with support from a volunteer mentor.
And after about two years of work on that home through the family Habitat staff and volunteers, it is eventually purchased by the new homeowner with down payment assistance and a zero-interest mortgage
The most recent open session for applications closed in January. Most of the lots for future builds are donated to the nonprofit, though the organization does sometimes purchase lots.
Broader Affordable Housing Initiatives
In addition to home construction, Habitat for Humanity operates a home repair program specifically for properties within defined boundaries in Davenport. The organization runs from West Locust Street to the North, 4th Street to the South, Harrison Street to the East, and Division Street to the West.
The Habitat Restore at 3629 Mississippi Avenue in Davenport provides low-cost building materials with funds benefiting the nonprofit programs.
A rolling application process exists for homeowners who wish to add a ramp to their property, available throughout the Quad Cities. Most of these initiatives are completed by resident volunteers.
Home Dedication Event Scheduled
The home dedication event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at 1360 Morton Drive in East Moline.
Erwin welcomed the public to visit the organization and see the benefits of funding assistance in action. She noted that many homes are funded with Community Development Block Grants, which are being cut severely at the federal level.
The dedication ceremony will showcase how private sector funding and volunteer efforts come together to address the affordable housing crisis facing the Quad Cities region.