2026 International Builders’ Show Recap

Reflections

Gazing out my window at the snow-covered streets of south-central Pennsylvania, it’s hard not to think about the adventures we had in sunny Orlando last week during IBS 2026. But in truth, I was already replaying dozens of moments in my mind and reflecting once again just how blessed we are to work alongside the building industry. I won’t miss Orlando traffic, but I most certainly will miss the wonderful people who go out of their way to support Homes For HOPE in all kinds of ways. Here are just a few of the consistent attributes of people in this industry that always strike me:

• The Building Industry Is Smart. Thriving in such a competitive industry isn’t easy, and I was reminded once again just how exceptional building industry leaders are in their ability to think, plan, and execute.
• The Building Industry is Generous. Being a success does not require or even imply that you care about people living in poverty around the world, yet once again we met with countless leaders who are already engaged with our mission but are still asking themselves, “How can we do more?!”
• The Building Industry is Innovative. In three days of conversations, the one thing we did not hear was, “Well, that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Rooms were full of people wanting to improve efficiency, reduce cycle times and offer customers flexibility and a more personalized experience. Companies like Higharc, NoviHome, Foundation, Do You Convert, Anewgo and others are leading the way in helping builders deliver as never before.
• The Building Industry is Supportive. A great example of how industry professionals care for each other is how builders and suppliers from around the country joined to pray during our third annual Prayer Breakfast at IBS.

The Prayer Breakfast

A highlight for our team again this year was hosting over 170 industry professionals at the aforementioned Prayer Breakfast at IBS. Attendees enjoyed breakfast and fellowship and were led to pray at their tables about a variety of issues and challenges. Betenbough Homes VP of Operations Corey Lusk and Homes For HOPE Executive Director Matt Baehr kicked off the program. Speakers included Mike Hockenberry from E.G. Stoltzfus, Beth Byrd from Anewgo, Kevin Oakley from Do You Convert and A.J. Ballantine from RENDR.

We are grateful to Kingdom At Work for sponsoring this year’s Prayer Breakfast. You can learn more about them here: Kingdom at Work. The first copies of Homes For HOPE devotional book “Work as Worship” were gifted to each person who attended. You can download the eBook here:

Booths and Hallways

Most of our time was spent meeting partners and sharing our mission. We loved hearing how passionate folks are about the work they do and appreciated their genuine interest in how we address global poverty.

“For many years we have been praying that the building industry would become more aware of all God is doing in and through Homes for HOPE—that when they think of building industry charities, Homes for HOPE would be more top of mind–not for our glory, but God’s. This year at IBS, it seemed as though that vision has become more clear. By God’s grace it’s happening! We know and love people in this industry and exciting new partnerships are forming. Momentum is gaining. Opportunities for mutually beneficial advocacy are increasing. I’m just so grateful to be a part of this globally impactful industry.”  – Matt Baehr, Homes For HOPE Executive Director

Onward

IBS was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with our busy current partners and to explain to future partners how Christ-focused microfinancing is transforming lives in thirty countries around the world. Sharing space with wonderful nonprofits like HomeAid and Operation Finally Home reminds us all that there are needs both here and aboard. Does your organization wish to cement its legacy of giving and help us create jobs, security and a path forward to those living in poverty around the world? Contact us today and let’s start the conversation!

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