Anawim Housing serves hardworking, low-income families by providing below market rental units. These families do not yet and may never have the financial resources to own their own home, yet they need and deserve safe and permanent housing. Anawim provides stabilization in their lives through housing and support services, giving these families a chance to flourish. By providing these families with a safe place to call home, their children stay in school longer, they receive better medical care and begin to build relationships and a support network with neighbors.

   “Anawim is a homegrown charity unique to the Des Moines community. It started with one duplex and in 20 years has grown to nearly 200 units. We like the idea of investing in Des Moines.  Every dollar we invest in Anawim stays right here in the metro area.

    “Sister Stella Neill helped found Anawim in 1987, after seeing the need for more affordable housing. She continues to serve as the organization’s Executive Director. Because of her vision, hard work, and dedicated staff, we wanted to make a positive impact on families by establishing the Sister Stella Neill Rent Relief Fund to provide ongoing funding for the future of this critical program.”

-Dotty & Stan Thurston