F. Amanda Tugade

See inside a former Days Inn Hotel converted into permanent housing for homeless people When it opens, Monarch Apartments will bring at least 40 homeless people off the streets and into housing with other social support.

Here’s some good news about housing in DSM:

“… it's a single-site permanent supportive housing, which means we're going to get 40 people off the streets at one time and into housing. … this model … is the way to end homelessness in Polk County.”

Iowa expected more than 1,400 refugees this year. Will they come after Trump's crackdown? About 150 refugees were expected to arrive over the next two months — and now it's unclear whether they will come to the state or the U.S. at all.

New one from me:

One crucial aspect of this project hinges on whether the city can lock down a partnership with service providers — within a month, the city manager said.

Des Moines City Council approves application to seek federal funding for homeless village City officials voted unanimously to approve an application seeking federal funding for the project entailing 43 shelters built at 2501 Maury St.

One city councilman pointed out that these plans have been in the works and part of the “strategies” to address homelessness despite some residents who believe it’s a response to the camping ban.

'I live it every day,' wife of slain Principal Dan Marburger says of Perry school shooting For Elizabeth Marburger, Jan. 4, 2024, is not just the anniversary of the Perry High School shooting — it's the last day her husband was home.

Elizabeth Marburger talked to me about the hurt, the heartache and the pain of losing her husband, Dan Marburger, after he lost his life saving students’ lives. I am grateful and thankful Elizabeth let me help tell her story a year after the unthinkable happened.

By me for the Des Moines Register:

Iowa passes on Summer EBT again, but advocates say they will continue to 'fight' for it Nonprofit and charity groups say the millions of dollars in food aid are key to feeding Iowa's children when schools are out.

Iowa will not be participating in the 2025 Summer EBT program. The deadline passed on New Year’s Day despite growing calls from nonprofit, school, church and community leaders across the state who say the program is crucial to feeding students in need.

The journey to secure housing for unsheltered people is tough, but so is creating, funding and maintaining that housing for them to live in. Emily, a nonprofit CEO in DSM, knows that struggle firsthand. We talk about hope & heartbreak as she tries for a 3rd time to launch a supportive housing unit.

Emily Osweiler sees supportive housing as a way to help Des Moines residents find stability People to Watch: Emily Osweiler faces constant roadblocks as she pushes for supportive housing to help Des Moines metro residents rebuild their lives

A cool thing about my beat is that I meet a lot of truly passionate people who are down for the fight and the cause. Take for example this Iowan:

www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/l...

Two stages of writing:

1) This shouldn't take too long
2) Oh no

Today’s the day this story comes out in print.

So much time, love, care and thought went into this project. Hoping that it makes a difference somehow.

From me & @scanlancody.bsky.social

A guide to free meals, food pantries in the Des Moines metro, and how you can help A list of resources for individuals in the Des Moines metro struggling to access food or for those looking to help.

If you’re looking for ways to help, I got you covered: bit.ly/3B6q4oE.

Another is widower Paul Tullis. He lost his two adult sons in the last few years.

Food is a form of connection, a link to community, to interaction. Without it, many experience isolation and loneliness.

Paul said Pam, the woman who delivers his meals, has become his friend.

I think about Marisol, in particular. A single mother and former social worker with mental illness.

“Cesar Chavez always said, 'If you want to get to know people … you invite them into your home and you let them eat with you. " … But how you gonna break bread if you don't got no bread?"

We were lucky enough to have people willing to speak openly about their hardship while trying to provide for themselves and their families.

www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2...

A months-long project the very talented @scanlancody.bsky.social & I have worked on is out now. We followed three Iowans, working to make ends meet to afford food and other basic needs.

My mood on deadline:

A new report came out last week, recounting the experiences of 10 homeless families in DSM and thinking about this finding: