A Lasting Solution for Homelessness in Greater Des Moines

Project Description

The Joppa Village will provide permanent, supportive housing for 50 men and women who would otherwise remain chronically homeless. More than housing, this supportive village community will include structured programs, wraparound services, and meaningful opportunities that help residents regain stability, purpose, and the ability to thrive as neighbors.

After more than a decade of planning, collaboration, and perseverance, the Joppa Village has received unanimous approval from the City of Des Moines and is moving forward at 2501 Maury Street.

Joppa is an official replicator of Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, a nationally recognized model that has helped hundreds of chronically homeless individuals move into permanent homes and rebuild their lives. This proven approach is being replicated across the country because it works.

The Joppa Village will be privately funded through generous donors, partners, and grantmakers, costing taxpayers nothing, and is projected to save the city nearly $3 million annually once the first 50 residents are housed. Every dollar previously raised for the former County Line Road site will be fully reinvested into this new location.

This project reflects years of partnership with Polk County, the City of Des Moines, healthcare providers, architects, engineers, and more than 100 community partners working together to address homelessness with dignity and compassion.

Your gift through GiveDSM will help turn this vision into reality—providing permanent homes, strengthening our community, and helping Greater Des Moines make measurable progress in addressing homelessness.