The Joppa Village: A Beacon of Hope for Des Moines’ Homeless Community
In a groundbreaking initiative to address homelessness in Des Moines, Iowa, the nonprofit organization Joppa is set to open a Tiny Home Village called The Joppa Village. This innovative community will not only provide housing but also offer employment opportunities for its residents, marking a significant step towards combating chronic homelessness in the area.
A New Beginning for Des Moines’ Homeless Community
Located on 21 acres just south of the Des Moines International Airport, The Joppa Village will consist of 50 tiny homes modeled after the successful Community First! Village in Austin, Texas. This project comes as a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines Metro, offering a supportive community that is often lacking in traditional housing programs.
CEO and co-founder of Joppa, Joe Stevens, emphasized the importance of providing more than just shelter to the residents of The Joppa Village. He highlighted the need for a supportive environment where individuals can not only have a place to call their own but also find purpose and employment opportunities.
A Community of Opportunity
Residents of The Joppa Village will have the opportunity to live in their very own tiny homes, provided they meet specific criteria such as having a disability, struggling with addiction, and experiencing chronic homelessness. While residents will be responsible for paying rent, the village will also offer on-site job opportunities in gardening, groundskeeping, and cleaning, with wages starting at $15 per hour.
Stevens emphasized the significance of these job opportunities, stating that they not only provide a source of income but also a sense of stability and purpose for the residents. The goal of The Joppa Village is not just to provide housing but to uplift individuals who have been chronically homeless and help them discover their inherent talents and abilities.
A Vision for the Future
As Joppa aims to have the land re-zoned in the spring and have The Joppa Village up and running by the end of 2026, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this project will have on the homeless population in Des Moines. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment that offers both housing and employment opportunities, The Joppa Village stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing homelessness and providing hope for a brighter future.
