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

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, or by calling 1-866-632-9992 or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

  1. USDA by mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410; or
  2. By fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. By email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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 St. Vincent de Paul Sobering Center, located in the Polk County Life Services Center at 1914 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, is a vital resource for individuals struggling with alcohol use. Our goal is to provide immediate care, support, and a pathway to recovery for those in need. This facility serves as a “first step to a second chance,” offering free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance as individuals navigate their recovery journey.

Our mission is to deliver immediate care to individuals in crisis due to alcohol use. We provide a safe environment for individuals to regain sobriety under the supervision of medical professionals, which includes monitoring vital signs, providing hydration, and ensuring overall well-being.

The St. Vincent de Paul Sobering Center offers a confidential and non-judgmental environment for intoxicated adults aged 18 and older, without the risk of legal detention or unnecessary emergency medical visits.

Partnering with Polk County law enforcement and our organization’s Community Navigators enhances our ability to effectively serve clients by providing essential resources for their recovery journey.

This 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. This facility is a partnership between St. Vincent de Paul, Polk County, and Broadlawns Medical Center.

How does one access the Sobering Center?

The St. Vincent de Paul Sobering Center is open to the general public for adults aged 18 and older. Individuals can access the facility on their own or can be brought in by family members or friends if necessary.

Additionally, law enforcement or medical personnel can also bring individuals to the Sobering Center as a diversion from potential legal difficulty.

The facility is available for individuals for up to 23 hours at a time, as needed.

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