Vacant hotels in Des Moines metro to become supportive housing campuses with 193 units and on-site services

Vacant hotels in the Des Moines metro are being transformed into supportive housing campuses aimed at addressing homelessness and housing instability. Two former hotels in West Des Moines and Urbandale will be repurposed to provide nearly 200 units of affordable housing, accompanied by essential support services. These projects are part of a broader effort to create sustainable solutions for individuals and families facing housing challenges.

The new campuses, named Solstice in Urbandale and Starling in West Des Moines, are expected to offer 104 and 89 units respectively. The initiative is led by the nonprofit Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing, which spent nearly five years identifying suitable sites. CEO Emily Osweiler emphasized the importance of location, noting the need for proximity to public transportation, job opportunities, and community resources.

“We wanted it to be in Polk County; we wanted it to be near or on a bus line or bus access; we wanted it to be big enough for what we’re talking about — 100-ish studio apartments, plus the ‘heart spaces,’” Osweiler said. The term “heart spaces” refers to communal areas designed to foster connection and provide additional support services.

These spaces will include case manager offices, adult classrooms, a media center, and a large living room area, offering a sense of community and belonging. They will also serve as locations for counseling sessions, life skills training, and a food pantry stocked with essential items. Osweiler highlighted the importance of these features in creating a holistic environment that supports long-term stability.

The initiative responds to findings from the Polk County Gap Analysis, a 2023 study that identified gaps in the community’s approach to homelessness prevention and diversion. The report underscored the lack of affordable and supportive housing options, which often leave individuals without the resources needed to transition out of homelessness. Osweiler noted that these projects aim to address both the immediate need for shelter and the long-term goal of sustainable housing solutions.

By integrating housing with essential services, the new campuses seek to provide a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable neighbors. This model reflects a commitment to care for those in need, aligning with the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and show mercy to the marginalized. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Source: Read the original report