JOIN US!

Catholic Charities is pleased to present Centennial Trivia! A new, fun-filled holiday event benefiting the Catholic Charities' Emergency Family Shelter! Grab your most festive apparel and join us for this EXCITING holiday event! Get your tickets today! Register your team together or form a team when you arrive.

Saturday, December 2

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Catholic Pastoral Center

(601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309)

Giving Thanks Giving

On Wednesday, November 15 and Thursday, November 16 the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry will be holding its annual Giving Thanks Giving event.

During these two days, hundreds of turkeys and other holiday meats will be given out to current food pantry clients to help them celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We are grateful to St. Pius X parish in Urbandale, IA, who donated 450 turkeys to give out. St. Pius has partnered with the food pantry for this event for more than 25 years.

If you would like to get involved with this event, please contact Catholic Charities' Food Pantry Program Manager, Tom Leto at 515-262-7260 or [email protected].

Unleash Generosity this Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving and unity that will take place this year on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. You can help Catholic Charities do something BIG!

For Giving Tuesday 2023, when 100 donations of any size are made to the Catholic Charities' Centennial Fund, a bonus matching gift of up to $20,000 total will be unlocked, instantly DOUBLING your impact! This fund will provide continued help and hope, allowing each of our programs to expand their services and grow into the future. Will you be the ONE to help us reach our goal?

Unleash Your Generosity!

Donors Like You: Chris and Jan Welp

Chris and Jan Welp know by supporting Catholic Charities they are directly impacting and uplifting those who are struggling in our community. As Vice-Chair of the Catholic Charities’ Board of Directors, Chris has enjoyed learning about the different programs offered at the organization and is inspired by the passion of the Catholic Charities team. When the Catholic Charities Centennial Fund was announced, the Welps knew they wanted to get involved to help further support the work being done.

“Jan and I saw supporting the Centennial Fund as an excellent opportunity to allow Catholic Charities to go above and beyond what they are currently doing to better serve those in need,” said Chris.

Why We Give

Raising Awareness

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the month, the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program team worked alongside different community partners to raise awareness and share resources with those who may be struggling. Check out our social media to learn more.

We fondly remember Deacon Chris Rohwer

Deacon Chris valued his faith and his family. Through his work at Sacred Heart and St. Ambrose Cathedral, he and his wife helped assist the poor in our community to find affordable housing. Deacon Chris also gave his time to managing the Catholic Charities' Food Pantry and Emergency Family Shelter for many years until he retired. We send our blessings and prayers to the Rohwer family.

Catholic Charities Staff Spotlight: Scott Caldwell

Scott has served as the Director of Programs for Catholic Charities for more than four years. In his role, he oversees all Catholic Charities' programs to make sure they are running smoothly. His favorite part about working at Catholic Charities is developing and implementing different ways to serve our clients and community. In his spare time, Scott enjoys staying active, hiking and traveling. Thank you Scott for everything you do!

Scott also has a background in social work and services, including therapy and mental health. He is currently looking to expand his team! If you are interested in joining the Catholic Charities' team as a counselor, please contact him at [email protected].

A Growing Need

The Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry has seen a 40 percent increase in need over the last six months. The food pantry staff and volunteers are passionate about providing food to all who are hungry. In addition to food, the pantry also provides diapers, baby wipes, baby formula and personal hygiene products.

Welcome to Iowa!

The Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services team welcomed multiple families to Iowa in September and October. At a recent cultural orientation class, Bishop Joensen helped us welcome our newly arrived refugee families. Our team is passionate about serving our refugee families and setting them up for success in their new environment.

You can support new refugee families as they make Iowa their home! View our Amazon Wish List for some of the current most needed items.

View Amazon Wish List!

Join the Catholic Charities Team!

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of others? Join the Catholic Charities team! For the last 100 years, we have had the distinct honor to provide help and hope for those in need. We have a number of current positions open in both Des Moines and Council Bluffs including: therapists, a domestic violence advocate, part-time Emergency Family Shelter staff and more.

View Open Opportunities

Catholic Charities' History:

St. Joseph's Emergency Family Shelter

The Catholic Charities’ Emergency Family Shelter, formerly known as St. Joseph’s Emergency Family Shelter, opened its doors in early 1990 to provide temporary housing and other services for homeless families in Des Moines. Since the program’s inception, more than 8,820 individuals have been sheltered, of which 60 percent were children under the age of 18.

You can support those currently being served by shopping our Amazon Wish List. Items purchased will be sent directly to the shelter.

Visit Amazon Wish List

Get Involved

Your Support Serves Thousands in Central and Southwest Iowa

Catholic Charities' Annual Appeal is the primary funding source for Catholic Charities along with government and private grant funding.

Donors who commit to an annual gift help strengthen and empower individuals and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Consider an annual gift that will help all year!

Donate Now

Support Those in Need this Month

From small donations to full-time volunteers, there is something for everyone at Catholic Charities! You can help support our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.

Here are some immediate needs across all programs:

Winter hats and gloves
Winter coats
Diapers size 4 and 6
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner and soap

For a complete list of donation needs specific for each program visit our website.

View Full List

Keep up with us on Social Media!

Follow Catholic Charities of Des Moines on social media. Be up to date on events, news and our programs!

Like us on Facebook

Serving those in need within the Diocese of Des Moines

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Des Moines serves those in need within the 23 counties of the Diocese of Des Moines in southwest Iowa. Our mission to empower individuals and strengthen families applies to anyone in need in the area, regardless of demographic. Our mission is rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. Our programs and services include refugee resettlement, professional counseling, food pantry, domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and services, emergency family shelter and more. We impact over 25,000 individuals each year.