A fire on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 4, destroyed much of an encampment near the Iowa River as it approaches the 1400 block of Gilbert Street in Iowa City. The individuals living there lost much of their possessions, and Shelter House is working to replace what was lost in the fire. “These people need new tents, […]
Shelter House
Posted inCommunity/News
Shop used books to combat homelessness at Shelter House’s annual fundraiser
After two years of COVID-related disruptions, people will be able to browse the tables at Shelter House’s used book sale like they did for more than two decades before the pandemic. The annual fundraiser was canceled because of the virus in 2020, and last year, books were sold by the bundle instead. “Proceeds of book […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘We’re not out of the woods’: Shelter House’s winter shelter is open, for now
Shelter House’s winter emergency shelter has opened after a month of delays caused by staffing issues and COVID-19 infections. The winter shelter, located at on 340 Southgate Ave, opened Jan. 4. Seventy-nine people took shelter that night, with 72 staying at the main emergency shelter at 429 Southgate Ave, and seven staying at the winter […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Free mobile clothing closet helps locals in need bundle up, dress for school or jobs
Around 40 people picked out clothes on Thursday, when the Corridor Community Action Network’s (CCAN) brought its free mobile clothing closet to Pepperwood Plaza in Iowa City. The event was the first test drive for CCAN Clothing Cruise’s RV, which was packed door-to-door with winter, professional and school clothes. Plans for the Clothing Cruise began […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Dustin Liston sworn in as Iowa City police chief as ICPD reform efforts continue
Dustin Liston was sworn in as Iowa City’s chief of police on Monday morning at City Hall. The choice of Liston to lead the Iowa City Police Department by City Manager Geoff Fruin was unanimously approved by the Iowa City Council in October. Liston joins the ICPD as the city council considers changes to the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Iowa City teen Kasey Dawson overcame homelessness and loss to graduate high school. A year later, she’s still fighting for a place to call her own.
In January 2019, Little Village received an email submission from a City High senior named Kasey Dawson titled “My Life Story.” “I never understood what it meant to be depressed,” it began. Over a nearly 2,000-word essay, the 17-year-old reflected on her life, including the events that helped shape her depression: Her father robbing and […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘How do I manage my anxiety about this?’: Needed now more than ever, crisis and community orgs adapt to social distancing
While the immediate concern amid the COVID-19 pandemic is physical health, social distancing has wide-stretching impacts on mental health, employment and other resources. Due to social distancing guidelines, local service organizations have had to adjust the way they serve the community during the pandemic. CommUnity In the case of CommUnity Crisis Services, all volunteers are […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Shelter House continues serving the community while COVID-19 forces changes and funds run short
Everyone is being told to stay home to help limit the spread of COVID-19. But what does that mean for people experiencing homelessness? And how does social distancing work in emergency shelter? Those are questions Shelter House had to quickly answer after the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Iowa on March 8. Shelter […]
Posted inLetters
Letter to the editor: The crisis within the crisis
By Crissy Canganelli, executive director, Shelter House There is no one this pandemic does not touch. Whether we feel its physical, economic, social and emotional effects depends on who and where we are, how and whether we can work, what social supports we require, what resources we can access, just how healthy we were to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Bikes, bags and brews: Brake the Cycle of Homelessness will raise funds for Iowa City’s Shelter House
This is the first year for the ride, which will start at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and finish at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom. There are scheduled stops along the route, beginning with the Vine Tavern & Eatery in Coralville. From there, cyclists will head to downtown Iowa City and stop at Molly’s Cupcakes and Yotopia Frozen Yogurt. These restaurants will give back a portion of their proceeds to Shelter House during the event.
Posted inCommunity/News
Shelter House’s winter programs, Housing First project fight homelessness in Johnson County
Shelter House, an Iowa City nonprofit that serves the needs of the homeless, has kicked off its Out of the Cold fundraising campaign.“It’s to support all of our winter programming that includes the winter emergency shelter,” said Angelica Vannatta, development director for Shelter House. “Our fundraising goal this year is $100.000.”
Posted inCommunity/News
BBQ, games and live music at a fundraiser for Iowa City’s Shelter House on Friday
Shelter House, an Iowa City nonprofit that serves the needs of the homeless, is holding a barbeque fundraiser at the Iowa City Municipal Airport on Friday.
