Central Iowa Shelter & Services is committed to providing low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness, while also facilitating their move towards self-sufficiency.

CISS has proven time and time again that it is more than “just a homeless shelter.” All guests and residents are provided evening and breakfast meals, access to shower and laundry facilities, group counseling, and individualized case management. Referrals to other community resources are also common, including Veterans programming, access to legal services, and substance use disorder evaluations and support.

CISS also has an on-site health clinic, food pantry, clothing closet, and classrooms that meet a variety of important needs and help to further an individual’s journey toward self-sufficiency. Partner organizations provide life skill instructions, like health and wellness education, financial literacy courses, curriculum for renting a home, and career readiness training.

Most notably, CISS provides career preparation through in-house job training. Programs include janitorial skills training, the culinary program through the community kitchen at Mulberry Street Café, and training in agriculture and sustainability through the farming program—known as Mulberry Farms & Food.

In addition to skill-building, these programs provide additional resources to the shelter as well as those in need. The farming program harvests produce, which is then purchased by the kitchen program and used to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for those in need.

The farming program is expected to grow following the greenhouse expansion, addition of the HydroCycle Aquaponics System, and the development of the 4-acre urban Agri-Hood. Learn more about The Schoen Family Greenhouse and the Agri-Hood.