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In 2005, one and one half percent of Polk County's population - 6,008 individuals - were living in shelters, transitional housing, on the streets and in other places not designed for human habitation.

Unfortunately, the number of families with children continues to increase, accounting for 61% of homeless households in Iowa.

The only shelter in Polk County where the entire family can stay together is St. Joseph Emergency Shelter, located at 1535 11th Street, Des Moines. St. Joseph's is large enough to provide safe clean housing for five homeless families at a time. Families are welcome to stay for up to 30 days. In 2005 through 2006, St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter served 70 families. St. Joseph Emergency Shelter is a ministry of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines.

St. Paul's African Methodist Episcopal Church (1201 Day Street, Des Moines) recently purchased a building that will be used to house homeless families. Families will be welcomed to stay for up to two years. During this time, the family will receive the supports they need to become financially self-sufficient.

To help St. Joseph Emergency Shelter and St. Paul's AME in their missions to provide shelter to homeless families in Polk County, the Evangelical Lutheran Churches of the Des Moines area are working together to "refresh" the shelter buildings. Repairs, painting, carpeting, landscaping, furnishings and other improvements will be provided by the Lutheran congregations during the summer of 2007.

HOME TOGETHER is a combined mission effort of the 29 Lutheran Churches in the Greater Des Moines area to refresh two homes that will house families who have no place to stay. These homes include:

St. Joseph Emergency Shelter for Families	1535 11th Street	Des Moines
St. Paul AME Transformation Center	1353 9th Street	Des Moines

Homeless families are in crisis. Most homeless shelters in the Des Moines area offer shelter to single men and women, but do not offer a place for families to stay together.

The churches have accepted the challenge of this common mission to make a difference in our community. Together, we can change the face of homelessness. Join us as we continue to raise funds and bring together volunteers who will upgrade these two homes by providing whatever might be needed such as painting, wiring, plumbing, and purchasing needed appliances.

Help us to make this miracle happen!