Anawim Housing
Monthly E-Newsletter | April 2023

RUSS FRAZIER STEPPING DOWN FROM ANAWIM AFTER 13 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Earlier this spring, Russ Frazier formally announced that he is stepping down from Anawim Housing on June 30th. Frazier has led Anawim Housing as president for thirteen years, having joined in 2010 as successor to Anawim founder Sister Stella Neil.

"It has been and continues to be my great honor to serve in this role. I am proud of our exceptionally strong team and all that we have accomplished. With a strategic plan in place, I am confident Anawim Housing will continue to grow and innovate under the guidance of the leadership team and the Board of Directors," Frazier said.

During Frazier's tenure, Anawim has added more than 800 units of affordable housing, supported hundreds of households through its supportive services, and diversified the operating model making Anawim a sought after national leader in affordable housing, development, supportive services and property management.

The Anawim Housing Board of Directors engaged in a selection process for the next successor and a formal announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

Read the full press release by clicking READ MORE

A special appreciation event to commemorate Frazier's leaving, and to celebrate Anawim's mission, legacy and future under new leadership is planned for the end of June. More details to come!
May 4: GROUNDBREAKING AT STAR LOFTS
IOWA'S FIRST ZERO CARBON CERTIFIED BUILDING
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Star Lofts is planned for Thursday, May 4th along Ingersoll Avenue, in Des Moines. The Star Lofts will be a sustainable mass timber construction build and is set to be the first Zero Carbon Certified building in the state of Iowa. Anawim Housing and Cutler Development are co-developing the project. Star Lofts has received wide-spread community and state support as it is not only a sustainable build but 100% of its twenty housing units will be affordable housing. We invite you to attend:

Join Us! Star Lofts Groundbreaking
When: Thursday May 4th
Time: 11:30 - 12:30pm. Ceremony will begin promptly at 11:45am.
Where: 2701 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa
The mass timber project was awarded $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's wood innovations and community wood grant programs. In June 2022, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the site of the Star Lofts to announce the funding.
This sustainable build is replacing an old Star Gas Station and will be providing critical affordable housing to the Ingersoll Neighborhood. Click READ MORE for the full press release.
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ANAWIM SPRING TOUR OF HOMES: REGISTER NOW!
Curious to know more about Anawim Housing?

We invite you to catch a ride with us on the Anawim Housing Spring Tour of Homes! Learn more about our history and the services Anawim provides, while viewing some of our diverse housing options throughout the community. The tour will include multi and single-family affordable housing, as well as Permanent Supportive Housing for those who have experienced homelessness.

Spring Tour Of Homes:
When: Wednesday, May 17th
Time: 11:00AM - 12:00PM.

Tour will start at the Anawim Housing Office: 1750 48th St. Des Moines. Bus will leave at 11:00am, so please arrive a few minutes early. Lunch will be provided. Contact Kate with any questions: kbergeron@anawimhousing.org
Reserve your seat today! Registration is now open

RAISING THE ROOF FOR FAIR HOUSING: ANAWIM RECIEVES HONOR
On April 11th, the Raising the Roof to Celebrate Fair Housing event was held to raise awareness of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, and renew a call for continued equity and justice in housing. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often sited as laying the groundwork for this important Act.

The event was hosted at DMACC Urban Campus by the Polk County Housing Trust Fund and recognized the longstanding work of five key housing partners exemplifying the principles and impact of the Fair Housing Act across Polk County. Anawim Housing was honored to have been one of the five organizations selected to recieve an award for this achievement. Russ Frazier accepted the award on Anawim's behalf. We congratulate the other four partner organizations who were honored:

Oakridge Neighborhood, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Finance Corporation, and Home, Inc.

View photos form the event on our Facebook page by clicking LEARN MORE!
Presenting Sponsors and Supporters share five proclamations declaring April Fair Housing Month, which were signed by the city of Urbandale, Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines, and Polk County.
(Pictured L-R) Kim Cheeks - Iowa Dept. of Human Rights, Russ Frazier - Anawim Housing, and Mike Tramontina - Master of Ceremonies and Board Member at One Economy Financial Dept. Corporation

RISING TOWARD COMMUNITY
Save The Date: June 21
Every year on the summer solstice, June 21st, Anawim joins together with the community to honor the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals and families who have overcome homelessness.

The event is known as the Rising Toward Community event. This year, we are partnering with the Full Circle Recovery Community Center to share the importance and connection of recovery coupled with permanent supportive housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

Rising Toward Community Event:
When: Wednesday, June 21st
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Anawim Housing office - 1750 48th St. Des Moines, IA 50310

Join us for inspirational stories, community, and light food/beverages. Speakers will include those with lived experience. Event is open to all - no registration required.


Interested in helping us work to end homelessness?

Anawim Housing develops stable homes and strengthens communities