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 and hunger in Iowa.
Homelessness in Iowa
10,656
homeless Iowans in 2021
These homeless individuals were served by emergency shelters and other housing housing services. (From the ICA 2021-2022 Snapshot)
2,381
Iowans homeless on a single given night in 2023
This includes both sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals in Iowa on a single night. (Data from the ICA 2023 Point in Time Report)
644
homeless on a single night in Polk County alone
Of the 2,300+ homeless Iowans on a single night in 2023, 27% were in Polk County. (Data from the ICA 2023 Point in Time Report)
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development also conducts a Point in Time report each year, and their 2023 report showed even higher numbers of homeless individuals and families in Iowa in 2023. The report found a total of 2,653 individuals in Iowa on a single given night in 2023, which is the highest number their PIT report has seen in Iowa since 2018.
Overall, HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report saw a 12% increase in homelessness nationally in 2023. It’s the highest number of people reported as experiencing homelessness on a single night since reporting began in 2007. The overall increase reflects the increases in all homeless populations.
Hunger in Iowa
Feeding America provides information about the state of hunger in each state through their Map the Meal Gap initiative. According to their latest data, the number of Iowans experiencing hunger has increased 45% over the previous year.
10.8
of Iowans face food insecurity (344,550 people)
15.4%
of children in Iowa are food insecure (110,500 kids)
50,530
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.
Hope Ministries is a member agency of the Polk County Continuum of Care, as well as the Polk County Housing Continuum.
Stories You’ll Love
Sign up to receive our emails and get inspiring stories of hope delivered to your inbox!