Better Together: A Blueprint for Action

May 4, 2026

Together, through collective action, we can drive progress toward ensuring that one day, everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. 

 Last year marked a significant step toward that goal when the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines partnered with Homeward, Polk County’s homelessness planning organization, to release a five-year strategic vision, The Blueprint to Address Homelessness. Shaped by research, national best practices and broad community input, the plan responds to evidence that our local homelessness response system is not scaled to meet the needs. Through funding, staff resources and strategic leadership investment, the Community Foundation is helping bring The Blueprint to life. 

 As a result, more than 250 individuals including business leaders, funders, housing developers, service providers and people with lived experience, engaged in listening and input sessions along with a consultant-led, six-month planning process. Around one table, sectors collided to design a path forward. The culmination of those convenings was shared at a May launch event hosted by the Community Foundation at its C3 Center. More than 200 community members attended the unveiling of this new plan, uniting individuals and sectors to address homelessness in our community. 

 The Blueprint outlines evidence-based strategies designed to close service gaps and better support those experiencing homelessness in our region. The goal: ensure community members not just survive but thrive in stable housing that meets their individual needs. 

“The Blueprint widens the scope of who understands the issue and brings new stakeholders to the table. It will take an entire community effort to decrease and end homelessness, and The Blueprint sets us on a forward trajectory,” said Shelby Ridley, director of programs at Primary Health Care. 

Recognizing that plans require structure to succeed, The Blueprint called for a new sense of alignment — resulting in the creation of the Housing Solutions Alliance. This governing body now exists to lead, coordinate and accelerate implementation of The Blueprint’s recommendations.

“We are grateful for the Community Foundation, who stepped up with intention, funding and significant leadership” said Scott Jean, president and CEO of EMC Insurance and co-chair of the Housing Solutions Alliance. “Their support enables the Housing Solutions Alliance to implement best-practice strategies and strive for long-term success in moving people into stable housing.”

Today, the momentum sparked by the Community Foundation continues to grow, powered by collaboration and committed community partners. Through the Housing Solutions Alliance, leaders across sectors are aligning partners, resources and accountability to move our region’s plan forward for the benefit of all our neighbors.

Because when a community commits not just to conversation, but to coordination and action, we are truly Better Together.