Social Services

"We're here to help those in need"

Food Pantry Locations

Through a partnership with Hunger Free Polk County and the Board of Supervisors, we operate food pantries within our daily business hours Monday through Friday. Appointments can be scheduled for the current day in our thrift store, or over the phone for the following day, subject to availability.

Address:

1426 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314

Hours:

  • Monday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
  • Wednesday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
  • Thursday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
  • Friday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Address:

500 Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315

Hours:

  • Monday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
  • Wednesday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
  • Saturday: 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Hours are subject to change. In order to make an appointment please contact Social Services staff.
1426 6th Avenue: 515-282-8327 Ext. 140 | 500 Army Post Road: 515-282-8328 Ext. 230

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Clothing

We provide free clothing to those in need. Our clothes closet operates Monday through Friday and is open to anyone who needs clothes for themselves or their family. This service allows for them to maintain dignity and self-esteem when applying and re-entering the workforce. Children need clothes particularly when the new school year starts and in the winter when the snow flies and temperatures drop.

Address:

1426 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50314

Hours:

  • Monday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Thursday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Address:

500 Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA 50315

Hours:

  • Monday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Tuesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Wednesday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Thursday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
  • Friday: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

In order to make an appointment please contact Social Services staff.
1426 6th Avenue: 515-282-8327 Ext. 140 | 500 Army Post Road: 515-282-8328 Ext. 230

Furniture

Furniture is made available at a significant discount on a case by case basis, depending on availability and need.

Skip the Trip

Need to take your Knowledge/Written Test?

St. Vincent de Paul is now an approved location for testing

To schedule your test at 1426 6th Ave:
Contact: devon.lamunyon@svdpdsm.org or 515-282-8327 ext. 220

To schedule your test at 520 Army Post Rd:
Contact: resourcedirector@svdpdsm.org or 515-282-8328 ext. 590

Sobering Center

The 1914 Carpenter Polk County Life Serve Sobering Center stands as a vital resource in the community, offering a safe haven for individuals struggling with alcohol use. Our mission is to provide immediate care, support, and a pathway to recovery for those in need. Our center is designed to ensure the comfort and safety of our clients.

Our mission is to offer immediate, non-judgmental care to individuals in crisis due to alcohol use. We provide a safe environment for individuals to sober up under the medical supervision of EMTs and Paramedics. This includes monitoring vital signs, providing hydration, and ensuring overall well-being.

While partnering with Polk County law enforcement and our Community Navigator, allows our ability to serve clients effectively by offering resources to enable their journey to recovery.

The 1914 Carpenter Polk County Life Serve Sobering Center is more than just a facility; it is a lifeline for individuals in crisis. Through our comprehensive services and community partnerships, we strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Our commitment to compassionate care and continuous improvement ensures that we remain a place of hope and recovery in the community.

The Sobering Center is housed at the Polk County Life Services building at 1914 Carpenter. This site is a partnership between Polk County, St. Vincent de Paul, and Broadlawns Medical Center.

The St Vincent de Paul Sobering Center provides a safe, confidential, low barring environment while providing care to intoxicated adults without going to jail or an emergency room for those who are 18 years of age or older that live in Polk County.

The Sobering Center is a “first step to a second chance” where individuals in Polk County receive free, confidential, and non-judgmental support to navigate the next steps toward recovery.

How does one access the Sobering Center?

In a partnership with area police departments and emergency medical services, intoxicated individuals may be brought to the Sobering Center and stay no more than 23 hours to recover safely.

St. Vincent de Paul Sobering Center is in a welcoming environment that offers free 24/7 care for those who are intoxicated in Polk County with partnership from Police Departments and EMS.

Recovery Area:

  • Hourly monitoring from an EMT, paramedic, or RN
  • Showers and clothing closet
  • Light snacks and water

Community Navigator support includes:

  • Resources for individuals, families, and friends
  • Ongoing follow up
  • Referrals to available St. Vincent de Paul programs and services

The Sobering Center provides a welcoming environment and an immediate response to those experiencing crisis while facilitating needed resource referrals. For more information or questions please email: Shelly.Gehrke@svdpdsm.org or call 515.259.6262