About The Beacon of Life

History

Since 1980, the Beacon has provided a haven from Des Moines streets for homeless women.  It is the only shelter in central Iowa that provides transitional housing with supportive services in a structured environment, exclusively for women who are homeless.  The Beacon Board of Directors incorporated in 1985.  In 1996, Beacon's leadership seized the opportunity to purchase a building in western downtown Des Moines on the corner of Woodland Avenue and 18th Street.  This permanent site has recently been expanded, renovated and transformed into a 34-bed wheel-chair accessible facility that provides services and transitional shelter for homeless women 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Mission Statement

The Beacon of Life is a long term transitional housing facility with a 34 woman capacity.  We strive to give women the strength and skills they need to live independently.