Hope Ministries
P.O. Box 862
Des Moines, IA
50304-0862
515-265-7272

Frequently Asked Questions


• How did Hope Ministries begin?
• What is Hope Ministries’ official mailing address?
• Hope Ministries’ has several facilities and many programs and services.  How can I keep it all straight in my mind?
• Is Hope Ministries a nonprofit agency?
• What is Hope Ministries’ fiscal or operating year?
• What is Hope Ministries’ mission/purpose?
• How would you describe what you do in a brief sentence?
• What is the vision of Hope Ministries?
• Is Hope Ministries formally associated with, or officially tied to, one Christian denomination? 
• What is your philosophy of operation?
• Are there organizations like Hope Ministries in other communities?
• How is Hope Ministries’ funded?
• Do my donations stay in Des Moines to help our community?  
• How can I know that my donation is being used wisely?
• What is your policy on donor confidentiality and privacy?
• How many people are homeless in central Iowa?
• What is Hope Ministries’ role in helping the homeless? 
• What specific services does Hope Ministries offer?
• How long can guests reside at Hope Ministries?
• Do you force your shelter guests to leave during the day like some shelters do?
• How does Hope Ministries help shelter guests who are sick or need medical attention?
• What can you tell me about the Table of Grace Meal’s program?
• How is Hope Ministries helping the many homeless veterans in our community who have honorably served our country?
• What is Hope Ministries doing to help the homeless secure employment?
• Is transportation an issue for shelter guests who get jobs while living at Hope Ministries?
• How would you describe a typical shelter guest?
• Does Hope Ministries offer employment opportunities for the homeless? 
• How does Hope Ministries measure success of their programs?
• How does Hope Ministries work with other agencies and the community to avoid duplication of services and make its limited budget go further?
• Are there other organizations providing programming similar to Hope Ministries?
• Does Hope Ministries accept intoxicated or drug impaired individuals into your emergency shelter? 
• Does Hope Ministries require participation in religious activities? 
• Do you have house rules for shelter guests? 
• What makes Hope Ministries’ programs and services different from other agencies?
• I live in Polk County, but I'm not homeless. Why should I be interested in Hope Ministries? 
• How does your Hope Bargain Center fit into your ministry?
• How does your King’s Closet program work?
• What other outreach programs does Hope Ministries’ sponsor? 
• Does Hope Ministries tap into the resources offered by local colleges? 
• Who can I contact if I have questions, or want to know more about Hope Ministries? 



How did Hope Ministries begin?
Hope Ministries was founded in July of 2000 as a result of a merger between two local ministries here in Des Moines, Iowa – Door of Faith and Bethel Mission.


What is Hope Ministries’ official mailing address?
Our official mailing address is P.O. Box 862, Des Moines, Iowa 50304-0862.  Written correspondence can be sent to this address, or you may contact us by phone at 515-265-7272, or by email at info@hopeiowa.org. 


Hope Ministries’ has several facilities and many programs and services.  How can I keep it all straight in my mind?
Think of Hope Ministries as an umbrella.  Under that umbrella are all of the facilities, programs and services we provide to the homeless, near homeless, hungry and hurting in the Des Moines area.  Hope Ministries operates from the following six locations in Des Moines.

Bethel Mission & Hope Cafe
Door of Faith
Hope Family Center
Hope Transitional Houses
Hope Bargain Center
Administrative Offices

The addresses for these facilities are listed on our CONTACT US page.


Is Hope Ministries a nonprofit agency?
Yes. The Internal Revenue Service has designated Hope Ministries as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.


What is Hope Ministries’ fiscal or operating year?
Our fiscal year is from July 1 – June 30, with food, clothing, shelter and recovery programming available year-round to serve those in need.


What is Hope Ministries’ mission/purpose?
The purpose of Hope Ministries is to proclaim and demonstrate the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ, meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of men, women and children who are homeless or in need of hope.  Our short term goals are to provide and enhance safe emergency housing and meals to meet the immediate survival needs of extremely low-income persons in central Iowa or anyone who seek our assistance.


How would you describe what you do in a brief sentence?
We are a Christ-centered ministry offering programs & services to homeless & hungry people central Iowa.


What is the vision of Hope Ministries?
To be the most comprehensive, privately-funded service provider to the homeless and hungry in central Iowa.


Is Hope Ministries formally associated with, or officially tied to, one Christian denomination? 
No. Hope Ministries is a Christ-centered non-denominational ecumenical ministry.  We are independently operated by a board of directors with representatives from various church denominations.  Board members, staff, volunteers and donors represent over a dozen different denominations involving over 140 churches each year. 


What is your philosophy of operation?
We believe true change comes when there is a transformation of the heart and that can only be achieved by a miracle of God’s grace through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  We also believe that the road to recovery begins with personal responsibility and accountability, respect for others, and respect for yourself.


Are there organizations like Hope Ministries in other communities?
Yes.  Hope Ministries is a member in good standing of the Association of Gospel Rescue Ministries – a network of over 300 independent and like-minded Christ-centered ministries all focused on homeless and hungry people in their communities throughout the country and beyond.  For more information about AGRM CLICK HERE.


How is Hope Ministries’ funded?
We do not seek nor do we accept government funding that compromises our Christ-centered mission.  Instead, we rely on private support, 90% of which comes from individuals.  We are also not a United Way agency, though we do receive some funds from United Way through specific donor designations to our ministry each year.  We also choose not to receive funding from gambling associated organizations.  In addition, we receive funding from over 100 churches and area businesses and foundations including Principal Financial Foundation, Nationwide, MidAmerican, Allied Insurance Group, BWA Foundation, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Meredith Corporation, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, Pioneer, Wells Fargo, Cargill, Amerus, EMC, and more.


Do my donations stay in Des Moines to help our community?  
Yes! Unlike some organizations, 100% of your donations to Hope Ministries help us tend to the needs of the homeless, near homeless, hungry and hurting right here in Des Moines.  We are an independent ministry – not corporately tied and required to share a percent of our gift revenue (outside of our community) with a regional or national headquarters.  Your support stays in Des Moines and benefits our community.


How can I know that my donation is being used wisely?
At Hope Ministries, we believe financial integrity and accountability is paramount and want our donors to be confident in our use of their funds including our accounting practices.  

Hope Ministries is a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), the nation’s pre-eminent standards body for financial accountability in Christian organizations. 

ECFA is committed to help Christ-centered organizations earn the public's trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability and financial practices that convey God-honoring ethical practices.   Qualifying for membership requires a rigorous initial application process.  For more information about our finances and financial integrity and accountability CLICK HERE.


What is your policy on donor confidentiality and privacy?
You can be assured that all of your contributions are kept confidential with Hope Ministries.  We will not sell, lend, share or otherwise use your name with any outside agency.


How many people are homeless in central Iowa?
There are more than 5,100 homeless people living in central Iowa on any given day. Of this number, about 2,800 are individuals not living in family units, including more than 450 veterans. With homeless housing capacity at fewer than 2,300 beds, there is a substantial community-wide service gap that is insufficient to meet the emergency, transitional and permanent housing needs of the individual homeless. (ABOUT HOMELESS)


What is Hope Ministries’ role in helping the homeless? 
Hope Ministries’ operates the largest privately funded emergency shelter for homeless men in the State of Iowa.  Agency-wide we provide more beds for the homeless than any organization in central Iowa - 273 total beds. With our comprehensive range of services and programming, Hope Ministries addresses core issues of homelessness, including chronic chemical dependency, mental illness, and physical disabilities, as well as unemployment and affordable housing issues. Since January 2001, Hope Ministries has served over 682,000 meals and provided over 241,000 shelter bed-nights.  On average, we provide over 4,100 shelter bed nights, and over 10,000 meals a month.   We shelter on average 150-200 homeless men, women and children each night.


What specific services does Hope Ministries offer?
Emergency shelter is available for 108 men twenty hours a day.  We also offer a 102 beds for long-term recovery, 8 beds at our transitional houses, 7 beds for long-term chronic homeless and 24 bedrooms (48 beds) for single mothers and their children, for a total of 273 beds for the homeless, as well as the following:

  • Christian Fellowship and Support

  • JOURNEY OF HOPE – The only continuum of care program of it’s kind for the homeless in the State of Iowa.

  • Three Nutritional Meals Daily for shelter residents as well as our general community meals at our Hope Café

  • Free clothing to shelter residents and community referrals from over 20 local agencies and churches through our King’s Closet program. 

  • Shower and Laundry Facilities and on-site clothes closet.

  • On-site case managers

  • Mental Health Counseling

  • On-site Medical Clinic and other Support Services

  • Personalized individual care plan for every shelter guest – needs assessment

  • Health (mental and physical)

  • Shelter Guest Supervision

  • Life-skills Instruction and Counseling

  • Education curriculum

  • Training and Employment Resources, Referrals and Placement

  • Public Benefits Eligibility Determination Assistance and Placement

  • After-care Support 


How long can guests reside at Hope Ministries?
Emergency shelter 4-6 weeks, recovery program 12-14 months for men and 18-24 months for families.


Do you force your shelter guests to leave during the day like some shelters do?
No.  Hope Ministries provides a “day room” at our Bethel Mission facility for our emergency shelter guests.  Our guests have access to books, magazines, games, television, movies, phone and access to our case managers during the day.


How does Hope Ministries help shelter guests who are sick or need medical attention?
We host a weekly on-site medical clinic provided by Primary Health Care (PHC). Clinical staff is at the agency 2 times weekly to help connect guests with appropriate services. Guests requiring more immediate assistance are referred to Broadlawns Hospital, the VA Medical Center, or to low-income medical clinics. Guests can receive transportation assistance from Hope Ministries to access these resources.


What can you tell me about the Table of Grace Meal’s program?
Hope Ministries’ sponsors Table of Grace – the only meals program of its kind for homeless and hungry people in Des Moines and central Iowa - privately funded offering six different components. Our community meals are offered FREE without regard to race, color, religion or creed.  We serve over 2,300 FREE meals weekly.  Our Hope Café is the only café in Des Moines where anyone can be served a FREE meal three times a day 365 days a year.


How is Hope Ministries helping the many homeless veterans in our community who have honorably served our country?
We offer food, clothing, shelter, and recovery services to over 300 homeless veterans every year.   Every Tuesday, we provide an on-site desk in our Hope Café for representatives from the Veteran’s Administration where information and services are provided to veteran shelter and meal guests.


What is Hope Ministries doing to help the homeless secure employment?
We accept and refer employer initiated calls at our Bethel Mission facility to our shelter residents on a daily basis.  Day jobs are posted for residents to secure employment opportunities.  We also accept and refer employer initiated calls at our Door of Faith facility for our Men’s Residence shelter guests. In addition, our S.T.A.R. recovery program at our Door of Faith facility has staff dedicated to job placement for recovery graduates.


Is transportation an issue for shelter guests who get jobs while living at Hope Ministries?
Our Bethel Mission and Door of Faith are on the Metropolitan City bus line.


How would you describe a typical shelter guest?
Each year, Hope Ministries serves approximately 1,800 homeless men as well as our mothers and children at Hope Family Center. Each person has a unique set of circumstances.   In other words, there is no “typical” shelter guest. However, shelter guests share some common characteristics. For example, we know that each year a high percent of our shelter guests face serious health and behavioral issues, including mental illness, chemical dependency, severe physical disability or a combination of these conditions.  The occurrence of these multiple and complex issues is increasing each year.


Does Hope Ministries offer employment opportunities for the homeless? 
Several of our past and current paid staff are recovery program graduates and/or shelter guests serving in food service, in-take desk clerks and maintenance. 


How does Hope Ministries measure success of their programs?
Hope Ministries uses several methods to track and measure participant progress and program outcomes. Our program staff meet regularly to review program outcomes, and work under the direction of an Executive Director and a volunteer Board of Directors. The following are some examples of how ministry performance and shelter guest success is measured.

  • Monthly stat reports are issued that track 45 specific outcomes.

  • Individualized needs assessments of our shelter guests

  • We monitors service delivery to shelter guests – includes public benefits, employment, training, addictions treatment, medical care/referrals, and housing placement, among others. Change in guest status is tracked from intake to exit.

  • We monitor shelter guest demographics – age, race/ethnicity, gender, and special needs are monitored for population subset data.

  • Community meal services are monitored through meal counts.


How does Hope Ministries work with other agencies and the community to avoid duplication of services and make its limited budget go further?

The following is a sampling of such collaborations:

  • Primary Health Care, Inc. – Provides twice weekly on-site health clinic and public benefits application assistance for guests.

  • Area Law Enforcement Agencies – Assist with client outreach and shelter placement.

  • Iowa Workforce Development Center – Provides job training, placement and related resources

  • Area Employers – Participate in work incentive program contracts and provide on-the-job training.

  • Veterans Administration Central Iowa Health Care Network – Provides medical and service referrals and resources.

  • Veterans Administration – VISN 23 and CHALENG Coordinators – Participates in needs assessment and service planning for homeless veterans.

  • Central Iowa Shelter Services receives our “overflow” of homeless when we reach facility capacity, and also refers clients to Hope Ministries.

  • Hope Ministries’ works with the Polk County Housing Continuum (formerly known as the Affordable Housing and Homeless Partnership) and with area-wide transportation for the homeless.

  • Community Volunteer Participants – We are blessed to have the involvement of over 750 volunteers at Hope Ministries each year.  We have numerous opportunities available for individual and group volunteers for God’s people to do God’s work here in the mission field in central Iowa. Volunteer opportunities include child-care, mentoring, meal serving, teaching, sorting donations, leading chapel, administrative support, professional expertise and much more. To view current volunteer opportunities click here.

  • Non-cash Support - Non-cash donations to Hope Ministries is provided by hundreds of churches, families, businesses, as well as civic and service organizations.  The value of volunteers, food, clothing and household in-kind donations exceeds $650,000 annually.

  • Polk County Housing Continuum – Hope Ministries is a member of the Polk County Housing Continuum since (formerly recognized as the Affordable Housing and Homeless Partnership, or AHHP). The PCHC serves as the local continuum of care governance board. Participating agencies meet monthly to discuss emerging client and community needs and service delivery, including closures or realignment of homeless services in Polk County, and to ensure non-duplication of services.

Hope Ministries maintains a broad network of other community resources supportive of efforts to assist the homeless.


Are there other organizations providing programming similar to Hope Ministries?
Yes. Anawim Housing, Catholic Charities, New Directions Shelter, YMCA, YWCA, Freedom for Youth, Young Women’s Resource Center, Children and Families Urban Ministry, Central Iowa Shelter & Services and Iowa Homeless Youth Center are examples of other organizations addressing the homeless problem in Polk County. Coordination of services and referrals are reciprocal among these agencies.


Does Hope Ministries accept intoxicated or drug impaired individuals into your emergency shelter? 
Yes.  We provide a stabilization dorm (non-medical detox) for impaired individuals.  This dorm is separated from our other shelter guests and is camera monitored by our staff.  This facility is for impaired that are not considered a danger to themselves or those around them.  If they are considered a danger to themselves or others, we have two agencies we refer to – Des Moines Police Department and Broadlawns County Hospital.              


Does Hope Ministries require participation in religious activities? 
Our programs and services are offered to anyone without regard to race, color, religion or creed.  Participants are made aware that our entire continuum of care incorporates the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.   No-one is required to be a Christian to participate in, or to graduate from, our Journey of Hope recovery program.  Since we are a privately funded Christ-centered ministry we do require our shelter guests to attend our evening Chapel services at our Bethel Mission emergency shelter.  No-one however is forced to participate.   Shelter guests at our Door of Faith recovery center are required to attend three morning or evening devotions or chapel services a week.  All of our meals begin with a group prayer.  Counseling sessions include prayer and Biblical teachings.  Participants in our Journey of Hope recovery program are involved in daily Bible study and attend spiritual renewal and other Biblically based classes.  For more information about our daily Christian Fellowship and Growth CLICK HERE.


Do you have house rules for shelter guests? 
Hope Ministries has an excellent reputation for safety and order in our shelters.  This can be attributed (in-part) to our philosophy regarding the importance of accountability and responsibility.  We believe our house rules are pretty basic when you consider the number of people we shelter.  Our rules include the following:

Evening curfew – 10:00 p.m. weekdays – 11:00 p.m. weekends
No weapons in our facility
No alcohol in our facility
No drugs in our facility
No pornography in our facility
Every shelter guest is assigned work detail
Everyone takes a shower every night 
Everyone wears clothes to bed – pajamas or shorts and a t-shirt
Everyone attends evening chapel
No foul language is allowed in our facilities

All residents are required to read (or be read to) the rules and sign that they understand the consequences for breaking the rules. It should also be noted that shelter guests are not required to stay at our shelter if they wish not to adhere to our rules.  We are not a lock-down facility.


What makes Hope Ministries’ programs and services different from other agencies? 

  • We are a Christ-centered ministry.  Our entire continuum of care incorporates the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • We are privately funded. We do not seek, nor do we accept government funding that compromises our Christ-centered mission.

  • We have a reputation of maintaining a safe and clean shelter.  Those who tour regularly comment on how clean and good smelling our facilities are.  We work hard at maintaining a clean and safe environment for our shelter guests.   

  • We provide free services to those who choose life-change.  Emergency shelter guests at our Bethel Mission facility are invited to stay free for their first 30 days.   If they enroll in our Journey of Hope (continuum of care) Recovery Program, they continue to stay free for up to twelve months at our Door of Faith long-term recovery center.  Emergency shelter residents who choose to extend their stay without pursuing support services are assessed a nominal fee of $7.00 per night up to $8.00 beyond 3 months.  For this fee, they continue to receive three free meals a day, free clothing and counseling support.

  • Our Journey of Hope recovery program is unique in the State of Iowa.  We have developed a unique continuum of care program that is experiencing above average success.  Our recovery program goes beyond just providing a “hand out” service.  Our program provides a “hand up” to homeless men, women and children by offering life-skill training, education and health care.  Read more about our Journey of Hope CLICK HERE.

  • We serve a diverse population. Hope Ministries’ shelter guests include the chronically mentally ill, chemically dependent and dual diagnosed homeless adults.

  • We are on the bus line.  Our Bethel Mission and Door of Faith facilities are both on the metropolitan city bus line,  providing accessibility to a full continuum of services for our shelter guests including area hospitals and medical clinics; Iowa Workforce Development Center; Social Services Administration; Veterans Administration; Iowa Department of Transportation; housing placement services; parole offices; Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous support meetings; area colleges; federal, state, county and municipal agencies; and a variety of additional services to aid persons in overcoming homelessness.


I live in Polk County, but I'm not homeless. Why should I be interested in Hope Ministries? 

  • Since we do not accept government funds that compromise our mission, but chose rather to be privately funded, we are not a drain on the tax system.  We do however provide a scope of outreach that saves the community a considerable amount of money.

  • Hope Ministries is a shelter provider partner for the Polk County communities of Altoona, Ankeny, Clive, Des Moines, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights. Hope Ministries routinely serves homeless adults referred and transported into the shelter from these cities, as well as from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, the Iowa Highway Patrol and private security agencies.

  • Hope Ministries’ provides an invaluable service to area businesses. By reducing the incidence of pan-handling, public intoxication, and vandalism through the provision of food, clothing, shelter and recovery services, Hope Ministries is improving the safety and quality of life for employees and visitors frequenting revitalized areas of downtown Des Moines.

  • Hope Ministries collaborates with dozens of social service agencies offering information and referral serves to our shelter and recovery residents. 


How does your Hope Bargain Center fit into your ministry?
Hope Bargain Center is a Thrift Store, Donation Center, Volunteer Activity Center, Community Outreach Center, Distribution Center and Recycling Center ALL IN ONE.  It provides an opportunity for members of the community to participate with us in taking care of the homeless and otherwise disenfranchised through their donations of in-kind items AND by volunteering their time. For more information about Hope Bargain Center CLICK HERE. 


How does your King’s Closet program work?
King’s Closet is a year-round outreach program sponsored by Hope Ministries providing free clothing to individuals and families.  We have extended the courtesy of using our vouchers for FREE clothing to area agencies who serve low-income and impoverished residents.  Service agencies must be invited and authorized by Hope Ministries for participation and voucher referral. For a list of our current King’s Closet collaborators and more information CLICK HERE.


What other outreach programs does Hope Ministries’ sponsor? 
We sponsor Hope on the Streets, Service and Mission Teams, our daily community meals program at Hope Café, dental care, eye care, veteran care and more.


Does Hope Ministries tap into the resources offered by local colleges? 
We collaborate with Grand View College nursing school that has developed a health-care curriculum taught by their students at our Door of Faith learning center and at our Hope Family Center.  In addition we work closely with the Des Moines Area Community College helping our shelter residents in their educational pursuits.  


Who can I contact if I have questions, or want to know more about Hope Ministries? 
Our leadership team is listed on our website.   A list of other ministry staff is provided in our CONTACT US section.  You are also invited to call our main ministry phone number at 515-265-7272 or send an e-mail to info@hopeiowa.org.

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