Expanding Hope: Central Iowa Shelter & Services Moines, IA • 2021
Summary
In 2018, HKG Development began discussions with Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) to help finance and build additional studio apartments for individuals experiencing homelessness in Des Moines. This collaboration marked the first major project with Michael Kiernan, who later became a partner at HKG and now serves as President of Perennial Properties Management Services (PPMS).
A Mission to End Homelessness
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is the leading nonprofit organization coordinating homeless services in Central Iowa. Committed to low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services at no cost, CISS also facilitates long-term housing solutions to help individuals regain stability and self-sufficiency. Their existing campus includes:
✔ An emergency shelter serving over 100 adults per night
✔ A state-of-the-art greenhouse providing fresh, sustainable food
✔ 81 studio apartments offering permanent supportive housing
Recognizing the urgent need for more housing, CISS partnered with HKG Development to expand its campus and increase capacity to serve the homeless population.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
With strong leadership from the CISS Board of Directors, HKG assembled a development team to bring the project to life: FEN Design – Architectural Services and Koester Construction – General Contractor.
In September 2019, the Iowa Finance Authority awarded CISS a $2.7 million grant from the National Housing Trust Fund to construct 24 new studio apartments at 1420 Walnut Street, Des Moines. Additional funding was provided by the City of Des Moines, Polk County, and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund as well as private foundations and individual donors.
A New Chapter in Housing & Support
Completed in September 2021, the new annex expanded CISS’s capacity to provide permanent supportive housing for more individuals in need. This addition represents a major step forward in Des Moines’ commitment to ending homelessness, offering not only shelter but also the stability and resources needed to rebuild lives.
