There is a clear and pressing need for programs and services for homeless and hurting people in Central Iowa — and throughout our state and country. Below are some general stats about homelessness in our community.
Iowa Institute for Community Alliances
Each year, the Iowa Institute for Community Alliances releases a snapshot report with comprehensive data of homeless shelter and services usage. You can read the full report here. Here are some highlights:
11,890
Iowans homeless in 2016
These homeless individuals were served by emergency shelters and other housing housing services.
1,257
Additional struggling Iowans
These additional individuals in need were served through permanent supportive housing.
24%
Homeless households including children
Nearly a quarter of all homeless households in Iowa in 2016 included children.
32%
Polk County Alone
Nearly a third of all homeless individuals in Iowa in 2016 are from Polk County.
Feeding America
Feeding America provides information about the state of hunger in each state through their Map the Meal Gap initiative. According to their data:
12
of Iowans face food insecurity (376,240 people).
16.7
of children in Iowa are food insecure
54,560
People face hunger regularly in Polk County alone.
Community Collaboration
As Hope Ministries works to meet the needs of those who are homeless, hungry, abused or addicted in Central Iowa, we work closely with many other local critical service providers—including veterans’ resources, medical services and education opportunities.