The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion,
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

The purpose of Good Samaritan Urban Ministries is to serve and support the disadvantaged population in the City of Des Moines with special emphasis on homeless single mothers and their children. A Christian faith-based organization supported by numerous churches throughout the state of Iowa, we are a four pillar ministry providing services to families, youth, the Christian church and to our community. We have made significant contributions to the City of Des Moines in the areas of neighborhood revitalization and safety, housing development, reduction and prevention of homelessness, violence, prostitution, substance abuse, drug trafficking and child endangerment.

We offer the following programs and services:

Family Growth Program: This program addresses core family stabilization risk factors and issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, mental and physical health, family relationships, child safety and development, parenting skills, nutrition and health education, financial management and life-skills development. Each participant is assessed and a service support plan is developed which identifies a long-term, interdependent support infrastructure and service support plan addressing the needs of each family member. Services are provided in-house and through collaborative relationships with community providers.

Transitional Housing – 9th Street Campus: A two-year, progressive program for families with dependent children who are homeless. There are 17 apartments dedicated to this program. Rent subsidy, basic needs assistance, Family Growth Program, and case management services are provided. Family Growth Program participation is required for housing.

Supportive Services: All Good Samaritan residents are encouraged to utilize the supportive services as determined necessary by a needs assessment and service support plan. Case managers provide a variety of services to assist residents in becoming drug-free, violence-free, crime-free, informed, stable and productive. Services include: basic needs assistance, housing placement, mentoring and tutoring for children, crisis intervention, counseling, the family growth program, social services mediation and referrals for childcare, healthcare, employment and education.

Youth Ministry: Unlike most other youth programs, the primary purpose of our youth outreach is not to teach a child a skill, to read a book or to be successful in the world (however, we do see this fruit in many lives). Rather, our mission is to reach a child with the love of which Jesus spoke and demonstrated. As a result of this Christ-like love through one-on-one relationships, children will experience a change of heart which will be reflected in all aspects of their lives. Only then do we see change as they discover their God-given talents, learn to read or dream about their future through the outreach tools we offer.