New Directions Shelter provides emergency shelter and supportiveĀ services for families with children who are homeless in our community.
The Home Connection provides permanent supportive housing for homeless families with children. Here are some ideas on ways to help!

volunteers

Volunteer duties are negotiable and flexible. If you have any volunteer ideas we would be open to them. For more information contact Kelsie at 515-243-7456 or kelsie@hawthorn-hill.org .

Sponsor a Weekend Meal
(Please call ahead to schedule)
Please call to sign up for a date to bring in a dinner meal on a Saturday or Sunday evening at the shelter, 3001 Grand Avenue. Dinner must be dropped off by 4:45pm and may be ready-to-eat or can be cooked/ heated up at the shelter. Dinner would serve approximately 25 people, 2/3 of those children. This is an easy and fun way to volunteer at the Shelter, whether you only want to serve once, or you want to serve often.

Provide Children’s Activities
Read books, play games, create art projects, plan a movie night, Bingo night, an ice cream social night, or provide any other projects for the children staying at the shelter! Activities can be held in the late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Adopt a Holiday
Bring your family, community group, religious organization to celebrate a holiday with the children and families here at New Directions Shelter. Holidays include but are not limited to: Valentine’s Day, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years!

Green Thumb
Planting flowers, gardening, landscaping, and yard clean up are great examples of the outside work that needs to be done to maintain the shelter and the homes we provide for our Home Connection families.

Organization
Helping maintain the organization of the storage area including food pantry, hygiene items, and especially the clothing closet is a huge need we have. We are looking for monthly volunteers to help us maintain this area.

Clean Up Our Act
Maintaining the cleanliness of the shelter such as deep cleaning the common areas is a need we always have. This is not the most
exciting job, but is essential to help us continue to have a safe and clean environment for our families at New Directions.

Organize a Supply Drive at your local church or work
New Directions has a wish list filled with products and supplies that the shelter is in great need of. This is a perfect service project for religious organizations, community groups, and clubs!

Financial Contributions
Monetary contributions are always welcome. Your contributions will help provide shelter and services for a family in need. Financial support will help us to continue to serve those who are homeless in our community. Donate Now