Organizations Fighting Hunger

Description:

Central Iowa Shelter & Services’ mission is to provide low-barrier shelter, meals and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency. Approximately 2,000 homeless women and men have received emergency shelter and supportive services to help them move beyond homelessness each year.

In September 2012, Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) opened its new facility. The facility grew from being 8,000 square feet and 96 beds to 207 beds and 42,000 square feet. It is equipped to provide emergency shelter (150 beds); transitional housing for Veterans (19 rooms); and 38 Project Based Section 8 Voucher efficiency apartments. CISS also provides an on-site health clinic, food pantry, clothing closet and classroom.

All guests and residents are provided evening, lunch and breakfast meals; access to shower and laundry facilities, a weekly medical clinic, individualized case management, life skills instruction, and referrals to other community services and benefits. Programming continues to evolve to meet emerging homeless and community needs. 

How to Help:

Some of the simplest ways to help are to collect their top need items and bring them to the center or help serve lunch. Volunteers can also help on projects, committees, or serve at the shelter for a day. Volunteers can sign up online . For further information on the CISS food pantry, please contact their Hope Center Coordinator, Julia Herrin at 515.280.2991 or JHerrin@centraliowashelter.org.

Individuals, restaurants, and grocery stores are invited to join their food rescue initiative, which supports the donation of surplus food that would otherwise be thrown out. Contact Julia Herrin for more information about the food rescue initiative.

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