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Home  >  Ministries   >  Homeless

Homeless in Des Moines

Beacon of Life

1717 Woodland Ave. - 244-4713
Transitional housing for women, 18 and older.

Churches United Shelter

205 15th St. - 284-5719
On the 18th and 19th of every month, the congregation of St. John’s has committed to preparing and serving the meal at the shelter which is located south of the downtown area between 13th and 15th Streets below Mulberry. There are large, orange DOT signs to show the location as a result of the construction in that area. We serve approximately 125 people each night and there is a board in the lounge area for people to sign up. Here are a few items you need to remember to help out with this worthwhile project:

1 ----- You are responsible for getting your food down to the shelter. The meal is served between 6:15 and 6:30;
2 ----- If you cannot get to the shelter to deliver your meal donation, look at the sign-up board to see if there is someone you know who can take the food to the shelter for you;
3 ----- If you are still unable to find a way to deliver your food – PLEASE leave a message on Diann Mackey's phone at 279.9022, or 779.6170 so that we can make other arrangements for getting your food to the shelter. PLEASE DO NOT leave your food at the church the night of the meal.

Family Futures Day Care

1216 ML King Parkway – 288-7884
Offers drop-in day shelter services to homeless children under the age of 5.

Iowa Homeless Youth Center

918 SE 11th St. – 282-9377 or 243-7825
Transitional housing for homeless youth, providing shelter, meals counseling and crisis intervention for youth 11-17 years old.

The Iowa Homeless Youth Center, which has had a close relationship with St. John's for several years, is looking for some volunteers. Beginning July 11th, a weekend "coffee shop" will be held in the Drop-In Center underneath the YWCA on Grand Avenue every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 8 pm - 2 am. In addition to entertainment planned and arranged by the IHYC, specialty coffees will be served. This will provide adolescents (age 15-21) a safe place to "hang out" downtown, while also providing fun.

If you are willing and able to hang out with teenagers on a weekend night, please call Trish Harlow, IHYC Director, at 265.1222.

On the second Thursday of EVERY month, the Rainbow Ministry Team coordinates meal preparers and servers for homeless teenagers. This meal is served at the YWCA on 7th and Grand. Contact Bruce Remmey (222.1286) for further details.

New Directions Shelter

3001 Grand –243-7456
Provides free, temporary shelter to homeless mothers and children. 30 day maximum stay.

The Lighthouse Host Home

1216 ML King Parkway –288-7884
Targets homeless, pregnant and or parenting young women, ages 16- 25. Maximum stay 2 years.

Family Violence Center Clothing Closet

The Clothing Closet of the Family Violence Center provides clothing to women and children at the shelter. Volunteers are needed for sorting, organizing the donations and distribution. This is an excellent opportunity for church circles, ministry groups or committees to undertake as a community project. Please call Sandy Smith at 471.8699, or e-mail her at sandys@cfiowa.org.