Central Iowa Shelter and Services says it is up against the clock to lower the number of people staying at the shelter. Right now, the shelter houses 170 people.As part of Central Iowa Shelter and Services’ emergency protocol, the organization is trying to get those in need into rental housing.Melissa O’Neil, with Central Iowa Shelter and Services, said 25% of people at the shelter are receiving help with their first month of rent, but more rental housing is needed."If there's ever a time when people want to believe housing is health care, now is the time,” O’Neil said. “Think about our spaces. Think about how everyone is being quarantined. For our residents, they don't have that. Housing is health care and it is a solution to the problem, and if you can't see that now, i don't know what else to tell ya. If people have the rental units, we need them."

Central Iowa Shelter and Services says it is up against the clock to lower the number of people staying at the shelter.

Right now, the shelter houses 170 people.


As part of Central Iowa Shelter and Services’ emergency protocol, the organization is trying to get those in need into rental housing.

Melissa O’Neil, with Central Iowa Shelter and Services, said 25% of people at the shelter are receiving help with their first month of rent, but more rental housing is needed.

"If there's ever a time when people want to believe housing is health care, now is the time,” O’Neil said. “Think about our spaces. Think about how everyone is being quarantined. For our residents, they don't have that. Housing is health care and it is a solution to the problem, and if you can't see that now, i don't know what else to tell ya. If people have the rental units, we need them."