Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC), a YSS organization, works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young families in Central Iowa. Our dedicated staff provide case management and advocacy to youth ages 18-24, helping them find stability and plan for a successful future.

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Rooftop Gardens

YSS Rooftop Gardens is an innovative program in Des Moines designed to support at-risk youth and those experiencing homelessness. This initiative provides vital apprenticeship opportunities, helping participants gain valuable employment experience while promoting access to healthy, locally-grown foods and essential nutrition education.

Rooftop Gardens
EMBER RECOVERY

Ember Recovery, Residential Addiction Treatment, provides a successful, individualized, and evidence-based recovery program in a safe, homelike atmosphere for youth ages 12-17 and a separate young adult program for youth ages 18-24.

Visit Website
Reggie’s Sleepout

For nearly two decades, Reggie’s Sleepout has raised awareness and funds for homeless youth services in central Iowa. The event is named in honor of Reggie Kelsey, a young man whose tragic death sparked a movement.

Reggie’s Sleepout

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC), a YSS organization, works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young families in Central Iowa. Our dedicated staff provide case management and advocacy to youth ages 18-24, helping them find stability and plan for a successful future.

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Rooftop Gardens

YSS Rooftop Gardens is an innovative program in Des Moines designed to support at-risk youth and those experiencing homelessness. This initiative provides vital apprenticeship opportunities, helping participants gain valuable employment experience while promoting access to healthy, locally-grown foods and essential nutrition education.

Rooftop Gardens
EMBER RECOVERY

Ember Recovery, Residential Addiction Treatment, provides a successful, individualized, and evidence-based recovery program in a safe, homelike atmosphere for youth ages 12-17 and a separate young adult program for youth ages 18-24.

Visit Website
Reggie’s Sleepout

For nearly two decades, Reggie’s Sleepout has raised awareness and funds for homeless youth services in central Iowa. The event is named in honor of Reggie Kelsey, a young man whose tragic death sparked a movement.

Reggie’s Sleepout

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Programs

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YSS empowers youth by providing education, counseling, and stability. Our goal is to create a continuum of care—together, our programs give youth the tools they need to succeed through their entire lives.

Prevention | Education

Afterschool & Summer Programs

Afterschool & Summer Programs

YSS Kids Club offers fun and engaging care for elementary kids before/after school and during the summer.

Mentoring

The YSS Mentoring program builds positive relationships through school-based and community-based mentoring.

Post-Secondary Education Retention

Post-Secondary Education Retention

We help young adults meet their education goals through tutors, job assistance, and financial planning.

Mental Health & Wellness Education

Mental Health & Wellness Education

At YSS, we provide training, education, and support for those impacted by mental health and suicide.

Prevention

We prepare kids to make healthy and positive choices through school and community programming.

Treatment | Counseling

Addiction Treatment

Addiction Treatment

Our Ember Recovery program provides evidence-based, residential treatment for youth with substance use disorder.

Counseling & Therapy Services

Counseling & Therapy Services

Our licensed providers offer counseling and therapy to clients of all ages using a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.

Crisis Stabilization

Crisis Stabilization

We provide short-term care for youth experiencing an acute mental health, behavioral health, or substance use issue.

Recovery | Stability

Emergency Shelter

Emergency Shelter

Our shelters offer a safe place for youth in crisis–with food, clothing, hygiene items, and support.

Foster Care Advocacy & Aftercare

Foster Care Advocacy & Aftercare

YSS is the lead agency for two groups who support current and former foster care youth.

Homeless Youth Services

Homeless Youth Services

We help at-risk and homeless youth by providing drop-in services, daily meals, and street outreach.

Supportive Housing

Supportive Housing

Our programs offer individualized support and rental assistance for homeless young adults.