Central Iowa Shelter & Services

Client Story!

Meet Kent:
Kent, once grounded in a life of hard work and independence, is now rebuilding with the same determination that once defined him. At CISS, he has embraced support while preparing for the reality that he will soon need to rely fully on himself-learning, asking questions, and taking ownership of his future. Grateful for the help he's received and confident that things are looking up, he is steadily working toward regaining his independence and creating a stable new chapter.

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

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

Special thank you to lowa Total Care for their contributions to this client story!💚

We are just three months away from our annual FORE! Homeless Veterans Golf Outing! Mark your calendars, reserve your sponsorship, and support homeless veterans in Iowa today!⛳💚🇺🇸

Registration: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/heroesforthehomeless-onetimedonation/event/forehomelessveteransgolfouting2026/

Client Story!

Meet Emmanuel:
Emmanuel challenges assumptions, reminding others that intelligence has no single look and is revealed through perseverance, reflection, and lived experience. Even in uncertainty, he continues to rebuild his life with determination, grounded in his wisdom and sense of purpose. Most importantly, he wants people to see him as a whole person—someone with family, relationships, and a life far bigger than this moment—whose story is defined not just by where he is now, but by everything he is and continues to become.
Read more about his story: https://centraliowashelter.org/meet-emmanuel/

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

Special thank you to Iowa Total Care for their contributions to this client story!💚

Craft time at the shelter thanks to a special donor!😊

We appreciate any and all donations made to our shelter! Have a question about what can be donated? Call our front desk at (515) 284-5719.

Help us celebrate this as we spotlight Stephen and the exciting new chapter ahead! 💚

Stephen has recently moved into his own home—an incredible milestone that represents stability, independence, and a space he can truly call his own. His journey reflects resilience, determination, and a strong commitment to building a future centered around his goals and continued growth. 🏠

Moments like this highlight the impact of housing and supportive services—creating opportunities for fresh starts, renewed confidence, and lasting stability. Thank you to everyone who helps make stories like Stephen’s possible.

A week ago, volunteers of CISS met a couple while serving dinner who were in serious need of a wheelchair. Thanks to a friend who had an extra in storage, Ryan and Bob were able to deliver a wheelchair to this couple!

The picture says it all!

Today, Fort Des Moines Open Bible Church served lunch at the shelter! We are incredibly grateful for the local churches and community members who partner with Central Iowa Shelter & Services to serve meals and support our guests each day.

Client Story!

Meet Micki:
Micki Baker, a drummer with a creative spirit, used her time at CISS not only to rebuild her own life but to uplift others, offering support and encouragement during their journeys. In just 90 days, she achieved her goal of securing housing, a milestone made possible through determination, faith, and the support around her. Her story is one of resilience and joy, reflecting her belief that even in uncertain moments, growth, connection, and new beginnings are always within reach.

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

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

Special thank you to Iowa Total Care for their contributions to this client story!💚