Accessing DMIHN Services

Accessing Shelter 

If your family is in need of shelter, please contact our Day Center at 515.277.7051.  You will be asked a few basic questions to determine your family’s eligibility for our program.  If eligible, your family will be asked to set up a shelter interview to complete an application for shelter and case management services.

Our Day Center is open Sunday through Friday 7:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm

Who We Shelter

We provide shelter to families with children.  Families may be two parents, single female head of household or single male head of household. 

For the safety of our guests and volunteers, a family will not be accepted if one or more of the family members have

• ONGOING or UNTREATED chemical dependency issues
• UNTREATED mental illness
• Criminal record of violence, drugs or theft. (Note: A family will not be denied shelter solely on the grounds of conviction of a criminal offense.  The date of the offense, the nature of the offense, and the relevance of the offense to the safety of guests and volunteers will be considered)
• Recent domestic abuse history

A criminal background check is completed as part of the application process.

Other Family Shelters and Services

Family Violence Center - 515.243.6147
Offers safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and
their children.

New Directions Shelter - 515.243.7456
Provides shelter, food and services for women with
children only.

St. Joseph Emergency Family Shelter - 515.282.1235
Provides emergency shelter, meals to homeless families with minor children.
Includes two parent, single female and single male headed families.

For additional services, please consult the Shelter & Services Brochurewhich is a guide to services for persons experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines area.