Program Success - New Directions Shelter
  • Provides free, temporary, emergency shelter and services for homeless mothers and their children.

  • Helps mothers get a new start through professional case management, counseling and advocacy.

  • Offers all guests an atmosphere of hospitality which emphasizes dignity and respect for others, encourages positive change, and the emotional and physical space necessary to make responsible, informed decisions for securing housing for their families.

  • Is one of only two homeless shelters available for families in the Des Moines metro area.

  • Provides eight private bedrooms, balanced meals and laundry facilities.

2010 Outcomes

  • Approximately 68% of our families were placed in stabilized transitional housing or permanent housing.

  • 48% of our clients increased their annual income by 10% or more.

  • 70% of our mothers gained short or long-term employment that looked for employment.

  • 95% of our families obtained free or reduced cost childcare that needed the service.

  • During 2010, volunteers contributed over 1,600 hours at New Directions Shelter.

  • We had to turn away 1,586 individuals from New Directions Shelter during 2010 because we were completely full. During August alone, we turned away 340 individuals.

  • Familes Served: 120

  • Individuals Served: 359
    Adults (mothers) - 120 or 33%
    Children - 239 or 67%

  • Race:
    White - 151 or 42%
    Black/African-American - 195 or 54%
    American Indian - 8 or 2%
    Multi-Racial - 5 or 2%

  • Ethnicity:
    Hispanic - 39 or 11%


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