St. Joseph Emergency
Family Shelter
1535 11th Street, Des Moines, Iowa
515-282-1235
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is the only shelter in Polk County where the entire family unit can stay together. Located at 1535 11th St. in Des Moines, St. Joseph’s is large enough to provide safe, clean housing for five homeless families. St. Joseph’s welcomes children and whomever children bring.
View a video about St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter
Our mission is to honor the humanity of each person by acknowledging the emotional and financial crisis involved when a family finds itself without housing or funds. We offer housing for a limited stay, three meals a day, laundry facilities and case management to assist guests in returning to self-sufficiency.
Click Here for a brochure about Catholic Charities St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter.
Volunteers at St. Joseph assist in many ways: from providing an evening meal, shelter maintenance, collecting donations or assisting in an evening activity. Volunteer opportunities are available for small groups and individuals. The shelter is staffed 24-hours a day.
|
When asked what his favorite part about staying at St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter is, 7 year old Blake tries to quickly chew his peanut butter and jelly sandwich and politely holds up one finger to motion that he will answer in a moment.
“He’s trying not to talk with his mouth full,” says Blake’s mom with a smile. “We’ve been working on our manners.”
Blake is a typical 7 year old boy who loves to play basketball, eat chocolate pudding and is encouraged by his mother to use his manners.
Click HERE to read more about Blake and his family. |
St. Joseph Services
Case management to assist guests in returning to self-sufficiency
Donated furniture & household items are available for guests moving into permanent housing
Provides all meals, infant & personal hygiene items
Sponsors parenting class
Individual and group volunteer projects
Click here for volunteer opportunities & donation needs
Last year...
St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter served 60 families including 124 children and 91 adults providing more than 5,540 nights of shelter.
For more information about St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter please contact Pat Nestvedt at 515-237-5019.