The Beacon has an extraordinary commitment to collaboration and non-duplication of services. We have been able to use our funds in a more efficient manner through partnering with several agencies that provide on-site services to the Beacon. This meets the organizational objective "to empower and assist women in developing their personal skills and abilities to enhance their long-term quality of life.

Description:
The Beacon is a community- based center where women give and receive support to become stronger and safer with a healthy place to grow as individuals. For those of us working on the front lines providing direct services to more than 130 women each year, our center is bustling with activities directed at strengthening and empowering women with personal leadership and coping skills. During the FYI 2004-06 calander year, 125 homeless women were served through the Beacon of Life, virtually all were surviving at or below poverty guidelines, or $5,400 per year. While the average age of residents remains in the mid-30 range, the Beacon continues to serve a growing number of women with chronic health problems who are 50 years and older. Of the total served 162 or 95% arrived with a history of substance abuse; 61 arrived or were diagnosed with mental illness disorders; and a majority, were dealing simultaneously with criminal justice issues of probation, parole or pretrial release, and custody issues.

History:
Since 1980, the Beacon has provided a haven from Des Moines streets for homeless women. It is the only shelter in central Iowa that provides transitional housing with supportive services in a structured environment, exclusively for single women who are homeless. The Beacon Board of Directors incorporated in 1985. In 1996, Beacon's leadership seized the opportunity to purchase a building in western downtown Des Moines on the corner of Woodland Avenue and 18th Street. This permanent site has recently been expanded, renovated and transformed into a 34- bed wheel-chair accessible facility that provides services and transitional shelter for homeless women 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact person: Ruth Hardin, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (515) 244-4724

Address:

1717 Woodland Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.beaconoflifedm.org