Anawim Housing
Monthly E-Newsletter | December 2020

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
YOUR GIFT IS MATCHED THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR

As we settle into winter, it's hard to not be reminded of those without a warm home, a safe place to shelter, or family to lean on. A simple way to help in a big way is by making a financial donation to Anawim Housing, directly supporting and providing a hand-up to individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

100% of your donation to Anawim Housing goes to support our programs and services - providing that warm home and support network for those who have experienced homelessness and live with mental illness, a substance disorder, a physical disability, a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS or are fleeing domestic violence.

"In the beginning, Anawim was just a shelter, a place to sleep, a room with a door. But it became something so much more because Anawim gave me the space, the resources, and the time I needed to create a home. They don't just give you a second or a third chance - they give you the best chance." - Randy, Anawim Housing program tenant.

Now through the end of the year, your gift will be MATCHED, dollar for dollar, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. Please consider a donation to Anawim Housing. Your gift helps provide that door - that warm safe home - for the next person who really needs it.

HOME IS EVERYTHING HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE - THANK YOU!
On December 15th, Anawim Housing hosted the "Home is Everything" Holiday Gift Drive to support our permanent supportive housing programs. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a great success!

We re-filled our shelves (and any available corner of our office) with all the wonderful household donations including everything from towels, to pillows, bedding, pots/pans, vacuums, gift cards, etc. These simple, everyday items will be greatly appreciated and help bring warmth and comfort to those we serve. Every item will be gifted to an individual or family moving into Anawim Housing from homelessness.

A special thank you to our wonderful event partner Trixie's Salon for all their help spreading the word and collecting items to support our gift drive.

Missed the gift drive but still wish to make a donation? We're happy to help! Please click READ MORE.

ANAWIM'S NEW PROGRAM WORKS TO END YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Anawim Housing is proud to be a part of solving youth homelessness in Polk County. Over the past three years, Executive Director Cynthia Latcham, has been working with key stakeholders across Polk County to create a plan for ending youth homelessness. The process was detailed and targeted in defining the problem, outlining the causes, and finding potential solutions. 

There was an impressive community-wide involvement from the juvenile justice system, local public schools, child welfare, law enforcement, and agencies that specialize in homelessness and youth homelessness. The result was a comprehensive plan aimed at ending youth homelessness in our community. 

Anawim Housing applied for and received the highly competitive grant from HUD which will infuse financial and technical support into communities ready to take decisive action in ending youth homelessness. 

Anawim's new Youth Homelessness Opportunities Program was created and will serve homeless, transitional aged youth between the ages of 18-24.

GREAT WESTERN BANK AWARDS ANAWIM WITH $10,000 GRANT
Great Western Bank has awarded Anawim Housing with a $10,000 Making Life Great grant that will be used to further Anawim's mission and provide life-saving permanent supportive housing for our community's most vulnerable.
Anawim's programs utilize a Housing First approach, which seeks to move individuals experiencing homelessness into safe housing as quickly as possible with minimal barriers. Anawim Housing extends our sincere gratitude to Great Western Bank for their support of our mission and community.

Pictured left to right: Brad Botos, Great Western Bank; Cynthia Latcham; Prohos Buttrey, Great Western Bank; Russ Frazier, Kristyn Arnold and Mary Mendenhall-Core

LUANA SAVINGS BANK BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER
Thank you to our friends at Luana Savings Bank for providing Anawim Housing with a charitable donation this holiday season! We are so grateful for our community supporters. Their gift will directly support the permanent supportive housing programs and services Anawim provides our community here in Des Moines. 

Pictured left to right: Deb Reinard, Luana Savings Bank; Sarah Fox, Luana Savings Bank; Russ Frazier; Mary Mendenhall-Core; Matt Janssen, Luana Savings Bank
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ANAWIM HOUSING
Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a home filled with happiness! Because Home is Everything.

Your friends at Anawim Housing
Anawim Housing develops stable homes and strengthens communities