How to reach a Des Moines shelter right now

Call 211 from any phone in Iowa. They answer 24 hours a day and will tell you which shelters have beds open tonight, their exact locations, and how to get there. If you cannot make the call yourself, staff at any emergency room, police station, or fire station will call for you. You do not need to be a Des Moines resident — shelters serve anyone in the area.

If you are in when ready danger, call 911. If you need shelter because of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 instead of 211 — they know which shelters have safety protocols and can arrange transport if needed.

Outside business hours, 211 still answers. The wait is sometimes longer, but the service does not close. Have your location ready when you call — they will ask where you are so they can direct you to the nearest open bed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 211 to find an open shelter bed in Des Moines; they answer 24 hours and know which facilities have space tonight.
  • Most shelters do not require advance notice or paperwork to stay — you can walk in or be transported the same day.
  • Shelters typically provide a bed, meals, and basic hygiene access; some offer case management or job search help, but services vary by location.
  • Length of stay ranges from one night to 30 days depending on the shelter and your situation; staff can explain the rules when you arrive.
  • If you have a pet, vehicle, or mental health crisis, tell 211 when you call — some shelters have specific programs for these situations.

Major shelters and what they offer

Broadlawns Medical Center runs the largest shelter system in Des Moines. Their main facility is at 1801 Hickman Road. They take walk-ins and referrals from 211, provide meals and a bed, and have staff who can connect you to longer-term housing programs. Broadlawns also runs a separate shelter focused on people with serious mental illness or substance use issues; 211 will direct you there if it fits your situation.

Salvation Army Des Moines (2116 Grand Avenue) operates a shelter with beds for individuals and families. They require a brief intake interview but do not turn people away for lack of paperwork. They serve breakfast and dinner and have shower facilities. Length of stay is typically up to 30 days, though extensions are possible if you are working with a case manager on a housing plan.

Everytown is a smaller shelter that focuses on young adults aged 18 to 24. If you fall in that age range, ask 211 about Everytown specifically — they have fewer beds but often have more availability because fewer people know about them. They offer case management and job training alongside shelter.

Shelter locations and phone numbers change, so always call 211 rather than showing up at an address you found online. 211 has the current list and knows which shelters are full.

What to bring and what happens when you arrive

Bring a photo ID if you have one, but lack of ID will not keep you out of a bed. If you have medications, bring them in their original bottles with your name on the label — shelters need this for safety. Bring any documents related to income, disability, or housing applications if you have them, though these are not required to stay the night.

When you arrive, staff will ask basic questions: your name, whether you have been to the shelter before, whether you have any medical conditions or injuries, and whether you have a pet or vehicle. They will assign you a bed and explain the shelter rules — usually no drugs or alcohol on the premises, lights out at a set time, and checkout in the morning. Most shelters do not lock you in; you can leave during the day and return before curfew.

If you have a mental health crisis, tell staff when ready. Shelters have protocols for this and can call for additional support. If you are withdrawing from alcohol or drugs, tell them that too — some shelters can connect you to medical detox rather than just a bed.

Staying longer than one night

If you need shelter for more than a few nights, ask the front desk about case management. Most Des Moines shelters have staff who can help you understand your options for longer-term housing — whether that is a transitional program, subsidized apartments, or rapid rehousing. This conversation usually happens within the first day or two of your stay.

Shelters typically allow stays of up to 30 days. After that, you usually need to move to a different program or housing situation. Case managers can help you find that next step before your 30 days are up. If you are working with a case manager and making progress on housing, many shelters will extend your stay beyond 30 days, but you have to ask and show that you are actively looking.

Some shelters have "transitional housing" — a step between emergency shelter and permanent housing where you can stay for several months while you save money or wait for a subsidized apartment. Ask your case manager whether you are a fit for this.

Shelters for specific situations

If you are homeless with children, call 211 and say you have a family. Des Moines has family shelters separate from single-adult facilities, and they often have more flexible rules around children's schedules and schooling. Family shelters usually allow longer stays and have more privacy.

If you have a pet, tell 211 when you call. Some shelters allow small pets; others will help you find temporary pet boarding so you can stay in shelter while your animal is cared for. Do not avoid calling because you have a pet — there is usually a solution.

If you are a veteran, mention that to 211. Des Moines has shelters and programs specifically for veterans, and they often have shorter wait times and additional services like job training or VA benefits help.

If you are fleeing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) instead of 211. They will connect you to a shelter with security measures and can often arrange safe transport.

What happens if shelters are full

On very cold nights or during winter, shelters sometimes reach capacity. When this happens, 211 will direct you to an overflow location — often a church, community center, or warming center that opens extra beds. These are not permanent shelters, but they provide a safe place to sleep and heat for the night.

If you cannot reach a shelter bed, ask 211 about warming centers in your area. Des Moines opens these during winter months, and some operate year-round. They may not have beds, but they have heat, bathrooms, and sometimes meals.

If you are turned away from every option, ask 211 for the name and number of the shelter director or the homeless services coordinator for Polk County. You can call them to ask about other options or to report that you could not find a bed.

Documents and benefits while in shelter

Shelters do not require you to have a job, income, or housing history to stay. You do not need to prove you are homeless — staff will see that you need a bed and provide one. However, if you want to move into subsidized housing or longer-term programs after shelter, you will eventually need documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or proof of income. Ask your case manager which documents to prioritize getting.

While in shelter, you may be able to work with staff on SNAP (food information) or Medicaid applications. Some shelters have computers and staff who can help you start these processes. This is not required, but it can help you stabilize while you look for housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to stay in a shelter, or can I sleep outside?

You can sleep outside, but shelter is safer and free. Shelters provide heat, security, and access to bathrooms and showers. If you are hesitant about shelter rules, tell 211 what concerns you — they may know a shelter that is a better fit, or they can explain what the rules actually are (many are less strict than people expect).

What if I have a criminal record or outstanding warrant?

Shelters do not check for warrants or criminal history before letting you stay. If you have an active warrant, you should know that staying in a shelter means you are in a known location, which could lead to arrest. Talk to a lawyer or legal aid before entering shelter if this is a concern. Call 211 and ask about legal aid resources in Des Moines.

Can I bring my partner or friend into the shelter with me?

Shelters have separate intake for each person, so your partner or friend would need to check in separately. You may or may not be in the same room, depending on the shelter's layout. Ask staff when you arrive whether you can be housed together.

What if I relapse or break shelter rules?

If you use drugs or alcohol in the shelter, you will usually be asked to leave. However, if you are struggling with addiction, tell staff before you relapse — many shelters can connect you to detox or treatment programs instead of just kicking you out. If you are asked to leave, you can call 211 again and try a different shelter or program.

How do I get from the street to a shelter bed tonight?

Call 211 right now. Tell them your location and that you need a bed tonight. They will tell you the nearest shelter with space and how to get there — whether that is walking distance, a bus route, or a van they can send. If you cannot make the call, go to any fire station or police station and ask them to call 211 for you.