A full stomach. 
A thankful heart ...

For the hundreds of homeless and hungry men, women and children who come to Hope Ministries for a meal, gnawing hunger pains are part of their daily lives.

Every day in the mission field of central Iowa, the homeless and near-homeless survive by digging through dumpsters, scavenging any scraps they can find.  Many must stretch a day’s worth of groceries into a week’s worth of meals.  Sadly, others simply go days without nourishing food. 

That’s what life was like for Chuck before he came to Hope Ministries for a hot meal, a warm bed and a chance to start his life over again.  Alone on the streets of Des Moines, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, Chuck searched for food and shelter.

Back in 1990, Chuck’s normal, happy life came crashing down around him when he was in a horrific car accident.  To help him cope with the constant, searing pain, Chuck’s doctor put him on pain medication.  Unfortunately, what started as a relief became an addiction.

Chuck not only responded to his chronic pain by abusing drugs, he also lashed out at those he loved.  He beat up his 17-year-old son twice, winning himself a stint in jail and the contempt of his wife and three children.

In 2004, Chuck hit rock bottom.  He lost his job of 10 years.  His house was foreclosed on.  And his family left him to escape his drug use and physical abuse.  Chuck was in and out of drug rehabs and psychiatric hospitals as he tried to battle his addiction and rage.

Homeless, he was sleeping next to a dumpster in downtown Des Moines when his niece finally brought him to our Bethel Mission emergency shelter for help.  We welcomed Chuck with open arms, and soon he transitioned to our Door of Faith facility and joined the STAR recovery program.  Before long his life began to change dramatically.  He overcame his addiction, grew closer to the Lord and was reunited with his family.

“My wife is positive about the future because she notices the change in me,” Chuck shares.  “My son called and asked me to go to a car show with him.  He had literally hated my guts for a while, but we had a good time and talked.”

Each person who comes here for help struggles with crushing needs.  Many are addicted to drugs or alcohol.  Some are mentally or physically ill.  Too many have suffered tragic lives filled with neglect and abuse.  

We could be satisfied to only fill their empty stomachs.  But we aren’t.  We also want to fill their empty hearts.  So in addition to providing a nutritious meal and a warm bed, thanks to friends like you we offer a continuum of care—addiction and life-recovery services, educational programs, Christian counseling and job training.

And, we show the lost how they can have new life through Jesus Christ, who says, “I am the bread of life.  No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again.”

It’s only with the faithful and consistent prayers and support we are able to offer life-changing services like these.  Your proven commitment to the poorest of the poor allows us to change lives for the better all year long.

We are grateful to so many who share their bounty with those who have nothing.  Those who financially support our ministry help people like Chuck which leads to a full stomach and a thankful heart.  Thank you!