Des Moines is moving forward with a new supportive housing project that stands out for its combination of modest rents and built-in services. The Joppa Village will feature 50 small homes with monthly costs starting at $300, alongside plans for a community gymnasium and an on-site medical clinic. The development targets adults who have experienced repeated and prolonged homelessness, offering a structured path toward stability without relying on public tax dollars.
A Model Built on Proven Success
The project draws directly from the Community First! Village approach developed in Austin, Texas, which has housed hundreds of formerly homeless individuals in a neighborhood setting. Joppa, the Des Moines nonprofit leading the effort, secured city approval in October 2025 for the site at the former Chesterfield Community Center on Maury Street. Construction is expected to wrap in time for the first residents in 2027. Homes will range from 192 to 384 square feet and include a bedroom, full bathroom, and kitchenette. Rents scale from $300 to $700 depending on unit size, with residents responsible for utilities.
Eligibility Focuses on Those with the Greatest Need
Admission is limited to individuals who meet specific criteria tied to chronic homelessness. Applicants must have a documented disability or struggle with addiction, have lived on the streets for at least one year, and have experienced homelessness at least three times in the previous three years. Income is not a prerequisite for entry. Instead, the village will provide on-site employment opportunities in areas such as gardening, groundskeeping, and maintenance, with starting wages at $15 per hour. This structure aims to support residents who may face barriers to traditional employment while they rebuild routines and skills.
Community Amenities Extend Beyond Housing
An 1880s schoolhouse on the property will be repurposed as the central hub. Plans call for a 5,000-square-foot gymnasium addition along with spaces for community meals, storage, worship, and healthcare services. Partnerships with Broadlawns Medical Center and Free Clinics of Iowa are shaping the on-site medical clinic, which will deliver primary care and support directly within the village. Public transportation connections through DART will also help residents reach off-site jobs or appointments. The overall design emphasizes a neighborhood feel rather than institutional shelter.
Private Funding and Projected Community Savings
Joppa is covering the roughly $10 million development cost through private donations and partners, ensuring no direct expense to local taxpayers. City officials have noted that the village could reduce public spending on emergency services and shelter by an estimated $3 million annually once the first 50 residents are housed. The approach reflects a broader shift toward permanent supportive housing models that combine shelter with coordinated services to address the root causes of repeated homelessness. The Joppa Village represents one targeted response to a persistent local challenge. Its success will depend on sustained funding, careful resident selection, and ongoing collaboration among the nonprofit, city agencies, and healthcare partners. As construction advances, the project offers a concrete example of how modest rents paired with integrated support can create new options for people long excluded from stable housing.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.