FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Willis Dady serve homeless single men only?
- What do clients do during weekday business hours?
- What resources are available to clients during the day?
- How do clients access meals?
- How long can clients stay?
- How did you get your name?
- What is your operating budget?
- How do you help the homeless?
- What is STRAP?
Does Willis Dady serve homeless single men only?
No, we also serve the following: -
- Single fathers with children
- Couples with children (must be able to verify that male is biological or adoptive parent of at least one child)
What do clients do during weekday business hours?
Clients are expected to look for work, housing, and additional support services during the day. We operate with a small staff and small budget, therefore we do not have enough direct service staff to cover the weekday business hours. back to top
What resources are available during the day?
Mother's with young children can use the Madge Phillips Day Center in close proximity to the shelter. We also encourage them to contact HACAP's Childcare Resource & Referral line to get children into daycare, so parents can look for work and services. School-aged children attend school and in the summer are enrolled in camps and activities. Other options for families and/or single men are: Public Library, Kirkwood Resource Center, Mission of Hope Day Center, Iowa Workforce Development, and local meal sites.
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How do clients access meals?
There are many meals sites in the community. Clients can obtain 3 meals a day, 5 days a week, and there are meals in the evening on the weekend. Willis Dady Emergency Shelter serves one in-house meal on Sunday afternoon, normally provided by and shared with outside groups. Otherwise, most clients receive food stamps and access our non-perishable pantry. If clients are waiting on food stamps, we can help them with our pantry of basics or with Hy-Vee gift cards. Families have a kitchen area where they can cook. The men also have a cooking area, and we set out snacks and food donations on a consistent basis for them. We always welcome donations of Hy-Vee gift cards to help with the perishable items clients may need and for our Sunday afternoon meal.
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How long can clients stay?
This is a case-by-case basis generally. The men can typically stay for 30 days and the families for 60 days. Stays are incumbent upon client compliance with shelter rules, attendance of meetings with Case Manager, and how active they are in seeking housing, jobs, and services/support. We are flexible when progress is visible.
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How did you get your name?
The shelter was named after a young man from Des Moines. He was at the Des Moines River with a friend when they heard screams nearby. Two young boys were playing in the river by a dock. One of the young boys got caught in the current and was drowning. Willis Dady jumped in to save a boy he didn't even know. Unfortunately, the hero and the boy both drowned in the tragedy. Our founders felt that this altruistic act could be immortalized by naming the shelter after Willis Dady.
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What is your operating budget?
We operate on a total budget of about $225,000 per year. It costs about $22 per person per night to stay at Willis Dady Shelter.
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How do you help the homeless?
We provide basic needs services, such as, warm beds, clothing, food, and hygiene items along with a safe, clean, and caring atmosphere. Our Case Manager works closely with partner agencies, such as, Abbe Center for Community Mental Health and Linn Community Care to stabilize mental health and health issues that may be impacting client progress. The Case Manager then sets client-driven goals with each resident and assists with progress through advocating, resource and referral, transportation, problem solving, and basic counseling techniques.
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What is STRAP?
STRAP stand for "Short-Term Rental Assistance Program" and is available to clients who are working and have a good work history. With the Case Manager's assistance, eligible clients find suitable housing and receive assistance from Willis Dady with their deposit and/or rent for the first four months. Clients are required to meet with a budget counselor and may have other requirements as well in order to participate. Besides helping shorten their shelter stay, the program offers clients a way to enhance their credit record. STRAP is funded by the Housing Fund for Linn County.
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