Shelter and Housing Programs
People looking to enter one of these programs, must first contact the Coordinated Entry team that operates Housing Services. They will do an initial assessment and provide resource referrals. We do not fill our own shelter beds or accept direct requests for housing assistance. You will need to call 319-366-7999 and leave a detailed voicemail, fill out the online form here https://www.iowahousinghelp.com, or go directly into their office at 318 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.
If you have US military experience, please review the information under the Veteran Services section for expedited assistance.
Emergency Shelter: For those who enter shelter, we provide a safe, welcoming environment that promotes and supports the hard work of obtaining permanent, stable housing. During check in at Willis Dady, we gather information about a client's past and current situation in order to determine how to best support them. We discuss the client's immediate needs and go over shelter policies. The client is then assigned a bed and given bedding and other items. The client will have the same bed for their stay at shelter while they work with the case manager to address barriers and obtain permanent, stable housing. The shelter provides beds for single individuals (25 men, 10 women, 10 Veterans) and 4 families with children.
Winter Community Overflow Shelter: Willis Dady is the staffing agent for the Overflow Shelter. We provide safe temporary shelter during life-threatening weather conditions until homeless individuals are ready and able to engage with other housing services. We help clients who are not able to find placement in other shelters at capacity. Regardless of a person's circumstances or background, the Overflow Shelter will accept anyone provided they follow shelter rules.
The Overflow Shelter is located at 1017 12th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
Hours of Operation: 6pm-8am every day
The Overflow Shelter season is typically mid-November through March.
Rapid Rehousing: This program focuses on providing limited rental assistance and case management to individuals and families who are currently experiencing literal homelessness. A case manager initially meets with a client to discuss their housing needs and to set up an individualized housing plan. The case manager provides support throughout the entire process including: searching for housing, talking to landlords, making referrals and helping connect clients with donations and furniture to make their new housing a home.
Supportive Housing: This program is for individuals and households who have persistently experienced homelessness and where other housing interventions have not been successful. When clients are enrolled, they sign a standard lease for their own rental. They pay a lower percentage of their income towards rent and receive intensive one-on-one case management to help them meet their goals and address any remaining barriers while they work towards self-sufficiency. Willis Dady has 32 Supportive Housing units. These units range from full efficiency suites to 1+ bedroom apartments or rooms in communal living homes for designated populations.
Veteran Services
We provide accept direct referrals for people with US Military experience. Please contact our Veteran Services Manager, Shannon at (319) 651-8545 or email her at Shannon@willisdady.org. She will be able to determine if you are eligible for the programs and discuss further details.
Veteran Services: This program works closely with the Veterans Administration to provide referrals for the benefit of the Veteran. Their case manager guides them to housing resources and supports them as they work towards housing stability. We provide 10 Emergency Shelter beds for Veterans experiencing homelessness, have dedicated apartments in the community for Veterans transitioning out of homelessness, and a Supportive Housing home in the community for Veterans who have experienced persistent homelessness.
Street Outreach
We accept direct referrals for our Street Outreach program. To have a referral submitted, please call our front desk at 319-362-7555 or visit us in person at 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. You can also come to our Day Center to meet directly with outreach staff. See the information below about open hours.
Street Outreach: This program looks to connect people currently sleeping in a place not meant for habitation with resources that exist in the community and to find permanent, stable housing. The case manager completes an assessment with each client, makes sure their immediate needs are met, and then continues to work with them one-on-one to create a housing and stabilization plan.
In addition, Hector's Place Day Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
from 9am - 1pm at our Willis Dady Works location: 800 1st Ave NW. Free first-come, first-served shower and laundry services are available. It acts as a safe place to escape the outdoor elements and connect with service providers.
Employment Services
We accept direct referrals for our Employment Services program. To have a referral submitted, please call our front desk at 319-362-7555 or visit us in person at 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.
Employment Services: The aim of the employment program is to assist in preventing and ending homelessness through direct support in short-term employment leading to longer-term employment and stability. We connect clients to supported employment opportunities internally and externally in addition to offering job training and coaching. We work with local businesses, governments, and other organizations to develop creative partnerships that meet the needs of both clients and employers.