Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Visits Joppa

Joppa welcomed Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds today. The governor toured the Joppa Center, staff offices and the model Tiny Home that provides insight into the Tiny Home Village project Joppa hopes to break ground on this year.

Cofounder & CEO Joe Stevens shared with Gov. Reynolds the vision Joppa has for providing more affordable housing for our most vulnerable populations in Central Iowa, statewide and ultimately across the nation.

One key focus of the visit was the Tiny Home Build curriculum that Joppa KIDS is piloting with local high school STEM classes.

Joppa KIDS is a program for K-12 students in schools, youth groups and clubs, which gives kids opportunities to learn about homelessness and do something to help homeless people. Learning about root causes of homelessness builds understanding and compassion, which helps prevent homelessness in future generations.

“Having an opportunity to build a tiny home to end someone’s homelessness attracts kids to STEM classes. We hope this experience will leave a lasting imprint on their lives forever.” – Joe Stevens

Gov. Reynolds watched “Faces of Homelessness III,” a video that tells the honest struggle of homelessness for people living on the streets, under bridges and in tents and vehicles.

“Joppa Tiny Homes provide an amazing opportunity for our homeless community to have a second chance, which starts with a home. These homes are a great
opportunity for kids to engage STEM and help them understand the impact of being homeless and the value of giving back to people in need,” Gov. Reynolds said.