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 women who are homeless.  Milk, fresh fruit and vegetables not available through the Food Bank are purchased for their meals.        www.beaconoflifedm.org

Hope Ministries

Hope Ministries has been serving those who are homeless in Des Moines and central Iowa since 1915.  Hope Ministries is a Christ-centered, faith-based ministry that provides programs and services for homeless and hungry men, women and children.  It is one of the largest non-denominational and collaborative efforts in Iowa focused on homelessness and hunger issues.  It reaches out to the unsheltered and displaced by offering food, clothing, shelter and support through emergency and long-term recovery services.  Contributions are used to help provide meals to over a hundred men, women and children each day.            www.hopeiowa.org 

New Horizon Adult Day Center's mission is to enhance the quality of life for adults who are physically and/or mentally challenged by providing compassionate day services.  Located in Ankeny, approximately 24 clients per day rely on New Horizons for the therapeutic activities, transportation, a hot noon meal and two snacks.  Sixty per cent of those served are on an assistance program.  Hunger Hike money provides the snacks, a boost to nutritional needs.        www.newhorizonsadultday.com

Church World Service

Church World Service works with partners in the U. S. and around the world to build interfaith and intercultural coalitions to eradicate hunger and poverty and promote peace and justice.  Assistance is designated for areas impoverished by war and/or natural disasters.  2007 aid was designated for the Kenya School Safe Zone for fresh vegetables, rice and dry beans.  In other years Hunger Hike funds have been sent to Sierra Leone, the southeastern U. S for Hurrican Katrina victims, and other areas.      www.churchworldservice.org    

Hawthorn Hill helps families who are experiencing homelessness in Iowa.  The mission is to establish and operate housing programs for homeless familes with children that help them obtain permanent housing and to provide services to help families achieve economic self-sufficiency.  New Directions Shelter provides free, temporary, emergency shelter and services for homeless mothers and their children.                        www.hawthorn-hill.org

Bidwell Riverside Center

Hunger Hike grant funds are used for basic food needs of clients ineligible for food from other sources - those traveling through the area, the newly homeless, infant formula needs, special dietary requirements or other emergency situations of families.                        http://www.bidwellriverside.org/

Come celebrate with us and learn more about the Des Moines Area Hunger Hike and the people who particpate.  And, learn about the organizations and people who distribute the funds collected and provide meals for people in need locally, nationally and internationally.

Thanks to all for continued support and contributions, and we hope to see you at the 42nd Annunal hike on October 9, 2011.

Network for Good is assisting us with our fundraising efforts.

  Come meet the people who translate your dollars into meals.  Learn more about the milk provided for children, nutritious meals for seniors, vegetables for families who are jobless, bread for the homeless, and above all, HOPE for thousands.

People representing agencies, congregations, and many walkers at the Annual Distribution Supper in March 2009, heard a challenge from one of the board members:  For the 2009 Hunger Hike, contribute at least $40 more than the highest amount given in the past.  With current economic conditions, the need is increasing here in Des Moines and around the world, please join with many others and make this a record year.  Together we can do it.  We walk that more may eat...