Serving at Central Iowa Shelter
Location: 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:
- You are responsible for getting your food down to the shelter. The meal is served between 6:15 and 6:30
- 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
- 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.
Other Shelters and Centers
Beacon of Life
Location: 1717 Woodland Ave. - Ph: 515.244.4713
Mission Statement
The Beacon of Life is a long term transitional housing facility with a 34 woman capacity. We strive to give women the strength and skills they need to live independently.
History
Since 1980, the Beacon has provided a haven from Des Moines streets for homeless women. It is the only shelter in central Iowa that provides transitional housing with supportive services in a structured environment, exclusively for women who are homeless. The Beacon Board of Directors incorporated in 1985. In 1996, Beacon's leadership seized the opportunity to purchase a building in western downtown Des Moines on the corner of Woodland Avenue and 18th Street. This permanent site has recently been expanded, renovated and transformed into a 34-bed wheel-chair accessible facility that provides services and transitional shelter for homeless women 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Location: 701 Grand Ave. - Ph: 515.288.7884
Our Mission
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young mothers in Polk County. We believe, with support and assistance, homeless individuals and families can live independently and attain self-sufficiency.
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers is a last resort for older runaway and homeless youth who have often exhausted community resources, family and friends.
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New Directions Shelter
Location: 3001 Grand Avenue - Ph: 515.243.7456
Provides free, temporary shelter to homeless mothers and children. 30 day maximum stay.
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The Lighthouse Host Home
Location: 1216 MLK Jr. Pkwy - Ph:515-288-7884
The Lighthouse Host Home targets pregnant and/or parenting young homeless children, ranging from ages 16-25, and their infants and children. The home allows the young mothers and soon-to-be expecting young women a chance to develop their educational, vocational and living skills.
The program's staff focuses on prenatal, post-natal, and parenting issues for each individual as needed. Lighthouse Residence Volunteers/Interns provide assistance with these issues, such as teaching the homeless women how to properly nurture their children and how to prepare a well-balanced diet for themselves and children.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to plan recreational activities for the participants out in the Des Moines community. They may assist the women with grocery shopping, job hunting, or even a trip to the park for a participant and her children. Volunteers may also provide car rides to the women to help aid in job-hunting or keeping scheduled appointments which might otherwise be hard to attend without transportation.
Child care is also a big part of the Lighthouse Host Home. Many of the participants find it difficult to attend school or search for employment while caring for children. Volunteers are always needed and welcomed so the participants may sit through classes, meetings, studies, shopping for groceries, and interviews.
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Family Violence Center Clothing Closet
Contact Sandy Smith - Ph:515.471.8699
The Clothing Closet of the FamilyViolenceCenter 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