Joppa Village Unanimously Approved!

We are pleased to announce that Joppa has received unanimous approvals from the City of Des Moines for the Joppa Village project at 2501 Maury Street, as well as our rezoning application. The Joppa Village will be a community of unconditional love and support for chronically homeless individuals and help them rediscover hope, so they can once again become productive citizens and live a life of personal fulfillment.

“We are grateful for the Des Moines City Council and city staff’s unanimous support of the Joppa Village project to help address homelessness in our community,” said Joppa CEO & Cofounder Joe Stevens. “This approval allows us to provide permanent supportive housing to individuals who would otherwise be chronically homeless. Addressing such a complex issue requires collaboration, and we are excited to work alongside the city and community partners to deliver one of many needed solutions.”

Our journey to establish the Joppa Village in Des Moines began twelve years ago. While project details have evolved over time, the goal has remained the same – to create a safe place for individuals to live, work and rediscover their value and purpose. After purchasing the previously proposed location on County Line Road in 2024, and seemingly reaching an impasse, city leaders asked Joppa to consider this alternative location on Maury Street.

“Improving lives for people experiencing homelessness in our community is an effort that requires collaboration from partners who are invested in finding solutions,” said Des Moines City Council Member Joe Gatto. “People living in our community deserve safety and shelter, and the Joppa Village will help our residents experiencing homelessness start on the path to a better future.”

Des Moines Mayor, Connie Boesen said, “The Joppa Village project will provide a valuable resource for our community – permanent, supportive housing. As our homeless population is growing, it’s critical to provide more shelter and affordable housing options so that people experiencing homelessness have a safe place to go.”

“Every dollar raised to purchase the previously proposed County Line Roadproperty will be fully reinvested into this new site,” said Jim Hagberg, Joppa board member and village project director.

Joppa is an official replicator of Community First! Village in Austin, Texas. Privately funded through Joppa’s generous donors, partners and grant makers, the Village will cost taxpayers nothing and is projected to save the city nearly $3 million each year with its first 50 residents.

The Joppa Village will provide permanent homes to men and women who would otherwise be chronically homeless, while providing supportive services, job opportunities and access to public transportation for off- site employment. All Joppa Cottage Homes will feature a bedroom, full bathroom and kitchenette, with sizes ranging from 192 to 384 square feet. Residents will pay $300 – $700/month, depending on the home they choose.