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Provides a temporary homeless shelter for single women and women with children. While at the shelter, clients will be offered beds, meals, laundry facilities, showers and other needed basic necessities. Individuals must be currently homeless with no other housing options. This shelter is not a domestic crisis shelter but may take domestic violence victims as long as they are not considered volatile (meaning someone coming after them). This is a safety precaution for other residents staying at the shelter. Shelter may not accept individuals who are disabled (needing assisted living surroundings), the shelter is not set up for that. Individuals on prescribed meds must be on current meds for safety of other residents but (there may be exceptions) for certain medications. Shelter does not accept sex offenders and fugitives of the law. Individuals that are using illegal drugs or alcohol will be required to get into an outpatient rehabilitation center in the area for the first week living at the shelter. Upon joining a rehab individuals must stay clean to reside at the shelter; length of stay will depend on the resident's cooperation and willingness to help themselves. 

Emergency 24 hour temporary shelter, operating during winter months (November 1st through April 30th) annually. Food is provided.

Offers a temporary emergency shelter for people who do not have a warm place to stay out of the cold and winter weather.

Provides assistance to individuals and families who are facing a crisis situation with food and/or shelter. Homeless prevention services can assist families who are facing eviction or utility disconnection in preventing their family from becoming homeless. Crisis funds may be available for one month’s rent, utilities, or groceries for a short period of time. This assistance is intended for individuals and families who need temporary, one-time assistance to resolve an emergency situation.

Emergency shelter with case managers to identify barriers to permanent housing and develop a case plan to help the residents overcome the barriers. The goal is to assist each resident in securing and maintaining permanent housing.

The following are provided:

• 30-day shelter
• Meals
• Toiletries
• Basic over-the-counter medications
• Case management

Shelter for single men, single women, and families with children. Provides a laundry facility for the homeless. Laundry supplies are provided. Shelter is handicap accessible including wheelchair accessible rooms and an elevator.

Provides temporary shelter housing for single men, single women, and families. Men are in separate residences from women and children even if the rest of their family is in the women's shelter. Residents are able to stay at the shelter for a maximum of 6 months as they work on a transition plan for self-sufficiency. The shelter provides referrals and support to residents as they work on their transition plan.

Provides shelter for those that are homeless and provides supportive services for residents and community members.

Provides transitional living, emergency shelter, and support to those in need.

- Overnight Shelter: Cot assigned in the day shelter. Check-in is from 7:30 pm to 9 pm daily.

- Showers/Laundry: Available on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm, as long as clients are able to safely use the facilities.

- Warehouse Access: Available on Tuesdays and Friday from 9 am to 12 pm.

Additional Services:

- Sleeping Accommodations are provided in the day shelter.

- Day Shelter Restroom Use: Accessible to clients at all times.

- To-Go Breakfast: Provided to clients daily.

- Water: Available to clients at all times.

- During cold weather contingency, individuals who are assigned to Tier 1 may remain indoors but are confined to the day shelter and may not access services that they are not eligible for. Cold weather contingency goes into effect when it is 10 degrees or less.

Offers the following services to women and women with children (these are not emergency shelter programs):

SHELTER offers short term shelter to meet the basic needs such as shelter, meals, and daily essentials, including clothing, hygiene items and laundry. Case management and referral services are provided with no fees. Please call ahead Monday- Friday between 8am-4:30pm to check on availability.

LONG-TERM LIFE RECOVERY for women (with or without children) is available to clients who are open and teachable with a willingness to change to do the hard work of life recovery. Women are offered an opportunity to work on their recovery and life skills for up to 24 months. Focus in on preparation to live independently while continuing to work on spiritual growth, recovery, basic life and work skills. Life recovery clients are required to save 75% of any income toward their transition fund.

Primary Health Care Centralized Intake is the centralized intake location for Polk County. Anyone experiencing homelessness can be referred to PHC for assistance. Each case manager will complete an intake with the household and may provide referrals to shelter, housing, public benefits or any other resource that will meet the household needs. Anyone who may be seeking emergency shelter for their family should come to PHC to complete an intake as all emergency family shelters placements are referred through PHC.

Also offers a shower to those who are homeless and in need.

Provides services aimed at reducing youth homelessness by providing funding for various activities, including housing and supportive services.

Prioritizes serving unaccompanied youth through age 24, including pregnant and parenting youth, who meet the definition of homelessness outlined by HUD.

Provides a low barrier homeless shelter. Adult men and women can stay regardless of their state of sobriety at the time of intake.

Strides does not require sobriety, abstinence, or a criminal background check to participate in services. The right to self-determination is not only preserved but encouraged by the program so that the community member decides what they consider success and how they will reach it.

Provides a systemic program transitioning individuals and families from homeless to sustainable living for Des Moines, Lee, and Henry County communities. 

Emergency overnight shelter serving 20–25 guests per night and entry point for addiction recovery and mental health services.

Coordinated Entry is the front door to homeless services. It is the first point of contact for those who need housing assistance. It provides guidance to anyone experiencing homelessness to the correct support and housing programs most appropriate to their situation. PROACTIVE AND SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS STREET OUTREACH: collaborate with local partners to meet individuals and families experiencing homelessness where they are and offer assistance in camps and on the street. LIBRARY OUTREACH: regular hours at libraries in Ames, Boone and Marshalltown where people experiencing homelessness can meet with a case worker and work on a housing plan. EMERGENCY SHELTER: short-term emergency shelter and housing support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Provides food, financial education, and health and wellbeing assistance. LONG-TERM PROGRAMS SUPPORTIVE HOUSING: client-focused services based on the degree of need and the severity of barriers individual/families are facing. Will help clients secure affordable housing and provide the tools needed to overcome financial barriers and maintain a permanent home. Individualized support services, including life skills counseling, employment assistance, budgeting and financial literacy, and community resources referrals are also provided. CONNECTION TO COMMUNITY SERVICES: connects clients to various external programs and community resources to help them achieve sustainable, healthy outcomes.

Offers emergency, overnight shelter to men experiencing homelessness. Facility has 22 bunk beds, showers, laundry service, meals, and chapel services.

Provides assistance to individuals and families who are facing a crisis situation with food and/or shelter. Homeless prevention services can assist families who are facing eviction or utility disconnection in preventing their family from becoming homeless. Crisis funds may be available for one month’s rent, utilities, or groceries for a short period of time. This assistance is intended for individuals and families who need temporary, one-time assistance to resolve an emergency situation.

Short-term residence and program support to homeless families trying to get back on their feet. Family service plans are developed, offering counseling, support groups, and budgeting classes. Applicants must be a family unit, no individuals. Short term residence consists of 6 months to 2 years.

Mini shelters are available for displaced persons who suffer loss of homes due to fire, tornadoes, transience, domestic disputes, or homelessness. Shelters are guarded and locations are confidential.