Homelessness and hunger are real, pressing challenges across Iowa — and especially here in Polk County. Thousands of men, women and children struggle each year without safe housing or enough food. They are our neighbors, and we are here to respond with care and compassion.
Homelessness in Iowa
On any given night, thousands of Iowans are without a safe place to call home. According to the Iowa Institute for Community Alliances, more than 3,000 people in Iowa were homeless on a single night in 2025 — and more than a quarter of them were right here in Polk County. Nationally, homelessness rose by 12% in 2023, the highest increase since reporting began in 2007.
Hunger in Iowa
Alongside homelessness, food insecurity continues to grow. Feeding America reports that more than 344,000 Iowans face hunger — including 110,500 children. In Polk County alone, over 50,000 people regularly struggle to put food on the table.
10.8% of Iowans are food insecure4
15% of Iowa’s children are food insecure5
Working Together
Meeting these needs takes collaboration. Hope Ministries partners with many local service providers — including veterans’ resources, medical care and education programs — to ensure that people experiencing homelessness or hunger can access the support they need. We are also an active member of the Polk County Continuum of Care and the Polk County Housing Continuum.
Trauma: Then & Now
1From the Iowa Homeless Needs Assessment
2, 3Data from the ICA 2025 Point in Time Report
4, 5, 6Data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap initiative
Why Hope Ministries Exists
Hope Ministries meets the urgent needs of our neighbors with food, shelter, and Christ-centered recovery that brings lasting change.
