Celebrating Our 2025 Visionary Sponsor: Central Bank’s Commitment to Homeownership in Des Moines

Brett Smith (Central Bank) presents Carrie Woerdeman (Executive Director of HOME, Inc.) with check for the 2025 Hunt for Housing Visionary Sponsorship while on the HOME, Inc. Home Tour - A special tour of our new construction for our Visionary Sponsor.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Brett Smith, Des Moines Market President and Retail Bank Officer of Central Bank - our Hunt for Housing 2025 Visionary Sponsor - to discuss their dedication to fostering affordable homeownership and their impactful partnership with HOME, Inc. His insights reaffirm their deep-rooted commitment to building stronger communities through shared values and targeted initiatives. 

Central Bank emphasized the importance of having aligned visions with their community partners. “The first thing we think about with our community partners is: do we have a shared vision?” explained Brett, “HOME, Inc. and Central Bank share the belief in the importance of home affordability and making homeownership a reality for our community members.” This alignment is fundamental to their approach, grounded in their philosophy of being actively involved in local communities and supporting organizations that strengthen the fabric of Des Moines.

For Central Bank, the partnership transcends financial support; it’s about creating tangible community impact. “That ties into our role as community leaders and supporters of initiatives in Des Moines,” he noted. Their focus is on empowerment and lifting up organizations like HOME, Inc. so we can continue our vital work. “We view our role as building up, uplifting, and empowering organizations so they can do what they do best,” he added, “Whether through support, expertise, or donations, Central Bank is committed to helping our partners bring positive change.”

Central Bank on the HOME, Inc. Home Tour - A special tour of our new construction for our Visionary Sponsor led by our Executive Director and our Executive Board.

Affordability in Homeownership

Addressing affordability remains a critical focus for Central Bank. About a year and a half ago, Central Bank launched an affordable home program offering down payment assistance of up to $4,500 to eligible homebuyers. “Our mortgage lenders are well-versed in various programs out there, and we can layer those with ours to help buyers need little to no money down,” he said. This approach significantly reduces barriers to homeownership, making the dream more accessible for many. Their team includes five experienced mortgage lenders across the Des Moines metro, each with more than 20 years of mortgage lending experience. “With that level of knowledge, we’re able to provide expert advice and guidance to help new homeowners navigate the process correctly,” Brett explained.

Central Bank’s partnership with HOME, Inc. extends beyond lending. They are deeply committed to supporting homebuyers through education, “We partner with HOME, Inc. to help buyers access education pieces on homebuying and homeownership, and to help contribute to the development of new affordable housing,” he shares, “For Central Bank, community support is a core value. Whether through monetary support or volunteerism, it’s important for us to show up for our community.”

Central Bank recognizes that tackling housing affordability requires collective effort. “We know this is important to Des Moines, and by partnering with impactful organizations and initiatives, we’re all working toward the same goal—making homeownership more accessible for everyone,” He concluded.

A Shared Mission

We are deeply grateful for Central Bank’s invaluable partnership and support. Their commitment to our mission has been important in helping us expand our programs and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the families and communities we serve. We sincerely thank Central Bank for standing with us and believing in the vision of a future where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.

If your organization is interested in making a lasting impact and helping us advance our mission, we invite you to become a part of our journey as a 2026 Hunt for Housing Sponsor. Your support can help us innovate, grow, and create sustainable solutions to housing challenges in our community. Together, we can transform lives and build a future where everyone has access to a safe, affordable home.

If you would like to partner with us and help to make this vision a reality please reach out to our Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator, Jayson Shaffer – shaffer.jayson@homeincdsm.org