DES MOINES, Iowa — Over the summer Habitat for Humanity completed several successful building events, and on Friday, several Iowa CEO’s got their hands dirty and contributed to the cause.

Around two dozen local CEO’s from businesses like MidAmerican Energy, Fareway and Prairie Meadows worked Friday morning assembling wall panels. HFH hosts panel builds throughout the year, these panels are then sent to housing projects around central Iowa. Recent projects include several builds in Perry and the Carter Court homes in northeast Des Moines.

Chris Costa, Knapp Properties President and CEO, says it’s important to continue highlighting and supporting housing initiatives in the metro. Recent survey’s indicate homelessness in Polk County has increased and shelters stay at capacity.

“We have a crisis in our community for affordable housing, and they are one of the organizations that are providing a solution that works, and it has a lot of community support, so we love the opportunity to get other organizations involved,” said Costa. “If we can help solve one real part of the affordable housing issue we feel like we are making a difference.”

Angela Franklin, Des Moines University President and CEO, says as leaders in the community, Friday’s volunteers need to set a good example in the community.

“Well we refer to it as sweat equity, so even though the individuals who will be actually receiving these homes and purchasing these homes are expected to conserve it themselves. This idea of giving back and getting your hands dirty and being a part of creating something, for me it’s a real thrill to see the houses come together,” said Franklin. “So we all put our sweat equity in helping Habitat for Humanity.”

“For someone who generally sits behind a desk, its hard work,” said Costa. “It really makes you appreciate the people who do this work every day.”

Costa and Franklin say the panels assembled on Friday will be used for homes at Walnut Crossing, a recently developed site in Waukee. Located along N Warrior lane and NE Douglas Parkway, the neighborhood will feature 48 three to five bedroom homes.