Who We Are

Giving Hope. Changing Lives.

About Hope Ministries

Since 1915, Hope Ministries has shared Christ’s love by serving people in crisis—providing warm meals, safe shelter and long-term life recovery for lasting change.

Our Mission

To rescue those who are homeless, hungry, abused or addicted, providing opportunities for hope, recovery and restoration through the love of Jesus Christ.

Welcome, Friends!

Welcome to Hope Ministries! I’m glad you’ve found our website today and encourage you to dig deeper into these pages to discover more about our programs and services.

Since 1915, Hope Ministries has faithfully served people in Central Iowa experiencing homelessness, hunger, abuse or addiction. And it’s the support of our generous donors and volunteers that helps us give hope and change lives!

Thank you for taking a look into the meaningful work that happens each and every day at Hope Ministries.

Your partner in ministry,

Cole Lindholm's signature
Cole Lindholm President and CEO

Our History

1915

Bethel Mission Opens

A group of compassionate citizens work together to open Bethel Mission, serving homeless men in Central Iowa.

1969

Door of Faith Opens

Door of Faith, located in downtown Des Moines, also begins serving homeless men.

1999

Merger Consideration Begins

Leaders of Bethel Mission and Door of Faith begin talking about joining forces to more effectively serve homeless Central Iowans.

Bethel Mission and Door of Faith merge to become Hope Ministries, offering both emergency shelter and long-term life recovery support for homeless men.
2000

Hope Ministries is Formed

Bethel Mission and Door of Faith merge to become Hope Ministries, offering both emergency shelter and long-term life recovery support for homeless men.

The newly constructed Door of Faith men’s life recovery center opens at SW 9th Street in Des Moines.
2003

New Door of Faith Opens

The newly constructed Door of Faith men’s life recovery center opens at SW 9th Street in Des Moines.

Hope Ministries expands to serve women and children, opening our new Hope Center at 3333 E. University Avenue in Des Moines.
2004

Hope Ministries Center for Women & Children Opens

Hope Ministries expands to serve women and children, opening our new Hope Center at 3333 E. University Avenue in Des Moines.

Construction of Hope Café and kitchen at 1310 6th Avenue, serving free meals every day to the surrounding community as well as Bethel Mission guests.
2005

Hope Café Construction

Construction of Hope Café and kitchen at 1310 6th Avenue, serving free meals every day to the surrounding community as well as Bethel Mission guests.

A cashier at one of Hope's thrift stores
2013–2014

New Thrift Locations Open

Two Hope Ministries Thrift locations open at 4640 Merle Hay Road in Urbandale and 500 E. Army Post Road in Des Moines.

Hope Ministries celebrates its 100th anniversary! On the 100th day of our 100th year—April 10, 2015—Governor Terry Branstad read a proclamation deeming it “Hope Ministries Day.”
2015

100 Years of Hope

Hope Ministries celebrates its 100th anniversary! On the 100th day of our 100th year—April 10, 2015—Governor Terry Branstad read a proclamation deeming it “Hope Ministries Day.”

2021

Bethel Mission Renovation

Completion of a major renovation at Bethel Mission to provide 110 men’s shelter beds and better accommodate our guests.

Completion of our Empowering Women. Uplifting the Community. capital campaign and groundbreaking for our new 100-bed center for women and children.
2022

New Hope Center Groundbreaking

Completion of our Empowering Women. Uplifting the Community. capital campaign and groundbreaking for our new 100-bed center for women and children.

2024

New Hope Center Opens

New 100-bed Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children opens at 3800 E. Douglas Avenue in Des Moines, providing short-shelter and long-term life recovery for women and moms with kids.

Our Ministry Centers

  • Bethel Mission, Drop-in Center (lower level) & Hope Café
    1310 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314
  • Door of Faith
    6701 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA 50315
  • Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children
    3800 E. Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
  • Hope Ministries Thrift, North Side
    4640 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
  • Hope Ministries Thrift, South Side
    500 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315

Join Us in Giving Hope

Every meal served, every night of shelter and every step of life recovery is made possible by friends like you.

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