Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing Will Change the Landscape of Affordable Housing in Central Iowa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:
Emily Osweiler, MSW, CEO Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing
emily@gdmsh.org
(515)210-3242
Media Kit

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, June 23, 2022 – Central Iowa faces an increasingly critical shortage of affordable housing options and an inadequate supply of permanent supportive housing. Recognizing that diverse approaches can foster enhanced innovation and creativity and build an even more resilient housing network, Emily Osweiler, MSW, and two of her former colleagues, researched and created a new housing model drawing upon the knowledge of what works and where there are system gaps.

“The GDMSH program concentrates on two parts of the housing continuum: permanent housing with supportive services and affordable housing for residents with extremely low- income. A variety of comprehensive services will be available to all residents. The services are designed to be flexible and geared towards individual needs,” says Osweiler, CEO of Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing.

The former Valley West Inn site will be renovated into 144 efficiency apartments that are approximately 350sf with areas throughout the campus for supportive service programming, community spaces, green spaces, office spaces, and parking. The units will include a kitchen, bedroom area, living space, and full bathroom. Dependent on receiving adequate funding, the rehab process will begin in late 2022, with an estimated completion of 18 months.

The GDMSH team, along with the Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing Board of Directors, has extensive knowledge of homelessness, affordable housing needs, financing, and the necessary supportive services to assist individuals in becoming housing stable. GDMSH is partnered with the development team of Hansen Company and Slingshot Architecture.

• Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing has site control of the Valley West Inn, located at 3535 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266. GDMSH plans to complete a gut rehab of the motel and renovate it into 144 efficiency apartments for people experiencing extremely low income, homelessness, or unforeseen housing barriers. The project is shovel ready.
• Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing (GDMSH) was formed in the fall of 2021 with a mission to offer housing stability through safe and affordable apartments, integrative resources, and a community of belonging.

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