In recent years, the Des Moines Register has carried numerous articles about area homeless, impoverished families, statistics along with tips on practical ways you can help. 

Throughout, city officials have attempted to treat the problem of Polk County homelessness with respect and compassion at the same time tending to the safety and other needs of our population. 

Hope Ministries has faithfully and consistently ministered to the homeless and near-homeless on the streets for many years.  In April 2006, we implemented Hope on the Streets, a program providing a helping hand to the hurting who pass the day downtown, skywalks or live in nearby low-rent housing.   

Our staff and volunteers involved act as a mobile outreach team, dispensing encouragement, referral assistance, information about Hope Ministries’ services and programs while reflecting the love of Christ.

As Hope Ministries continues to develop effective programs, we take into account that the folks we help are as diverse as the needs they present.  Our Mobile Outreach Teams have provided information to abused women, veterans, fathers parenting children alone, the mentally ill and so many other struggling people.  Our outreach teams circulate each week on Saturdays and have made contact with hundreds of men, women and children on the streets.   Our efforts have produced results as we develop relationships on a first name basis on our weekly “rounds”.   

One Saturday on a sleeting-cold day our Team encountered a women huddled between two downtown office buildings.  She was bare-foot and miserably cold.  After many minutes of cajoling, they managed to convince her to come with them.  They managed to get her shoes and socks and bought her breakfast.  Then they secured shelter for her. 

Another example is Gus Vallas

Gus Vallas first encountered God’s love in a chance meeting with Hope Ministries counselor John Hoxeng in the downtown skyway during a Saturday morning Hope on the Streets outreach.   Gus had spent months living out of his car since he moved up from Mississippi following the Katrina Hurricane devastation.  Though Gus had no intention of coming to Hope Ministries for help, he allowed John to write his phone number and address in a notebook he carried around.

To become a volunteer member of our Hope on the Streets Mobile Outreach Team, CLICK HERE. Complete the volunteer application, indicate Hope on the Streets and click the submit button.

To learn more about Hope on the Street call us at (515) 265-7272 or send an e-mail to info@hopeiowa.org.  To provide financial support for this program CLICK HERE.