Harkin Institute Launched Affordable Housing Project

The initiative aims to build accessible, low-cost housing units in downtown Des Moines by 2029.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Special Needs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern apartment building with an accessible ramp, representing new urban housing developments. — The Harkin Institute and Anawim Housing have partnered to launch Affordable Access Des Moines, an initiative creating scalable, accessible housing units for low-income residents. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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On September 8, 2026, The Harkin Institute and Anawim Housing announced the Affordable Access Des Moines collaboration. This partnership seeks to develop a model for accessible housing that remains cost-effective for low-income residents.

Why it matters

The project addresses the significant housing barriers faced by people with disabilities, a group where over half of American families are currently low-income. The initiative plans to create a scalable framework for developers to implement accessibility without raising operational costs.

Over 50% of American families with disabilities are low-income. The project involves a multi-stakeholder approach including Hubbell Realty and Simonson Associates to finalize design specifications.

The players

The Harkin Institute

This research and outreach organization is located at Drake University and focuses on policy and public engagement.

Anawim Housing

This is a nonprofit provider specializing in the development and management of affordable and permanent supportive housing.

Hubbell Realty

This is a regional real estate firm partnering on the design and construction of the new accessible housing project.

Simonson Associates

This firm is contributing design expertise to ensure the new housing unit meets accessibility standards.

The details

The Harkin Institute, based at Drake University, is currently assembling a focus group of experts and individuals with lived experiences to inform the project design. Anawim Housing will then utilize these findings to construct a specialized housing unit in downtown Des Moines, which will serve as a template for future developments.

The Affordable Access Des Moines collaboration was officially announced on September 8, 2026.
The new downtown housing unit is projected to be ready for residents by 2029.

Culture Shift

This project mirrors the growing societal trend of prioritizing inclusive design as a standard feature rather than an afterthought in urban planning. By leveraging research-backed accessibility, the partnership marks a departure from traditional models that often treat such units as prohibitively expensive.

Residents of the Des Moines area may soon benefit from new affordable living options specifically designed for those with disabilities. The project will eventually provide a scalable model that could influence how future residential buildings are constructed throughout the city.

The takeaway

Accessible housing remains a critical need for many low-income families with disabilities in urban centers. This initiative serves as a pilot program to demonstrate that high-quality accessibility does not necessarily require higher operational costs for building managers.