This, rather, is the fasting I wish: Releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Isaiah 58:6-7

St. Theresa Homeless Meals

Central Iowa Shelter and Services (formerly Churches United Shelter) is located at 205 15^th Street in Des Moines. It is an overnight shelter that provides an evening meal and overnight sleeping space for 120 people each night. St. Theresa has been doing monthly meals at the Shelter since 1993.

The meal is done on the 8^th of each month. It takes over 60 people to organize, cook, buy supplies and serve this meal for 120. St. Theresa is famous at the shelter by both residents and staff for the wonderful meals.

How it works: Each month, volunteers are called to ask if they want to bring an entrée, salad, vegetable, dessert or supplies (milk, paper products). Foil pans are provided for the cooks to bring their food to the church. On the 8^th each month, from 4-6, the prepared food and supplies are brought to the church kitchen. At 5:45, the servers begin loading their cars with the food and supplies and transport it all to the shelter. They unload and set up a serving line and serve from 6:30 to 7:30.

We are always in need of additional people to prepare food, to provide supplies (milk, paper products) or to serve the meal at the shelter. If you would like to be a part of this monthly outreach, contact Tamara Knupp by email paul-tam@mchsi.com.

St. Joseph Family Shelter is the only residential shelter for families in Des Moines. It houses up to 5 families, with each family staying up to 30 days. St. Theresa has been providing monthly meals to St. Joseph’s since 1995.

The meal is done on the 4^th and 5^th Fridays of the month for 20-30 parents and children at the shelter. Other dates are also available as St. Joseph’s has many nights with no group scheduled to provide the meal.

How it works: The meal can either be prepared and brought to the shelter or can be prepared onsite. Most groups chose to bring meal items either cooked or oven-ready. Some of the more creative meals have been done by groups that have brought a grill and provided a barbecue meal—a real treat for the families. The meal begins at 5:30. Meal providers are welcome to stay and serve and share the meal with the guests in this family-setting shelter.

Because of the smaller numbers, this is a great volunteer family project for 1 or more families or small groups. To sign up for a month or get more information, contact Lindsay Amadeo by email llamadeo@yahoo.com or at 274-3874.

Click here to read the Current St. Jospeh's Informational Flyer