Central Iowa Shelter & Services

Central Iowa Shelter & Services Learn more at https://centraliowashelter.org/ In September 2012, CISS opened its new facility.

CISS is committed to providing low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services at no cost to adults and families experiencing homelessness, while also facilitating their move towards self-sufficiency. Since 1992 Central Iowa Shelter & Services’ mission is to provide free shelter and meals to homeless adults regardless of physical or emotional conditions, and to facilitate their move toward self-s

ufficiency. Approximately 2,000 homeless women and men have received emergency shelter and supportive services to help them move beyond homelessness each year. 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 expanded emergency shelter (150 beds); expanded transitional housing for Veterans (19 rooms); and 38 Project Based Section 8 Voucher efficiency apartments. Along with expanded housing capacity, CISS also provides an on-site health clinic, food pantry, clothing closet and classroom. All guests and residents are provided evening and breakfast meals; access to shower and laundry facilities, a weekly medical clinic, and group counseling; as well as individualized case management, life skills instruction, and referrals to other community services/benefits. Programming continues to evolve to meet emerging homeless and community needs.

Thank you Westminster Presbyterian Church Youth Group, for serving lunch to our clients on Friday!πŸ’š
06/13/2026

Thank you Westminster Presbyterian Church Youth Group, for serving lunch to our clients on Friday!πŸ’š

Rain or Shine, Nationwide volunteers show up! πŸ™ŒπŸŒ¦ CISS is so thankful for their hard work yesterday through the storms th...
06/12/2026

Rain or Shine, Nationwide volunteers show up! πŸ™ŒπŸŒ¦ CISS is so thankful for their hard work yesterday through the storms that hit central Iowa!

Support CISS and take your chance to bid on 4 Reserved Grandstand Certificates + First Pitch Opportunity + 4 Iowa Cubs B...
06/10/2026

Support CISS and take your chance to bid on 4 Reserved Grandstand Certificates + First Pitch Opportunity + 4 Iowa Cubs Baseball Caps in an DSM all-sports package at our FORE! Homeless Veterans Golf Outing!

See you August 28thπŸŒοΈβ€β™€οΈπŸŒπŸ»

Client Story!Meet Jerry:Jerry, a military veteran with fifteen years in the infantry, surprises people with his easygoin...
06/10/2026

Client Story!

Meet Jerry:
Jerry, a military veteran with fifteen years in the infantry, surprises people with his easygoing nature and genuine kindness, finding purpose in simple moments of connection and conversation. At CISS, he gives back by helping run the food pantry, taking pride in supporting others, and making sure no one goes without food. Grounded in love for his daughters and grandkids, and grateful for the support around him, Jerry reflects on his past with humility while continuing to grow, valuing his mental health, friendships, and the chance to keep moving forward.

Read more about his story: https://centraliowashelter.org/meet-jerry/

Support stories like Jerry: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cissgeneralfunddonations

Special thank you to Iowa Total Care for their contributions to this client story!πŸ’š

Thank you to American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company for their recent in-kind and monetary donations to our fo...
06/07/2026

Thank you to American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company for their recent in-kind and monetary donations to our food pantry at CISS!πŸ’š

Client Story!Meet Ashley:Ashley, who has been on her own since just thirteen, has built a life rooted in resilience, rai...
06/05/2026

Client Story!

Meet Ashley:
Ashley, who has been on her own since just thirteen, has built a life rooted in resilience, raising a family she deeply loves while overcoming addiction and becoming six years clean. Her service dog, Luna, whom she trained herself, is her constant source of safety and stability, helping her navigate both trauma and medical challenges each day. Grounded in gratitude and determined to never return to life without a home, Ashley’s story is one of strength, second chances, and an unwavering commitment to keep moving forward.

Read more about her story: https://centraliowashelter.org/meet-ashley/

Support stories like Ashleys: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cissgeneralfunddonations

Special thank you to Iowa Total Care for their contributions to this client story!πŸ’š

Support CISS and take your chance to bid on two Iowa Wolves basketball tickets in an DSM all-sports package at our FORE!...
06/04/2026

Support CISS and take your chance to bid on two Iowa Wolves basketball tickets in an DSM all-sports package at our FORE! Homeless Veterans Golf Outing!

See you August 28thπŸŒοΈβ€β™€οΈπŸŒπŸ»

Address

1420 Mulberry Street
Des Moines, IA
50309

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Central Iowa Shelter & Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Central Iowa Shelter & Services:

Share