Starts right here

Starts Right Here (SRH), Inc. is a non-profit agency dedicated to reaching the most vulnerable people in our community – homeless youth. SRH embarked on an ambitious expansion of the educational programming they presently operate with the Des Moines Public Schools. Their expanded program - STAY - will allow for the expansion of 18 affordable studio apartments for youth participating in the SRH program and other youth who are homeless.

This facility will have general living areas, classrooms, counseling offices, and vocational training classrooms.  SRH will now be able to work with homeless youth, and the youth will not return to an environment in which they are not safe; instead, the 18 studio apartments will provide a safe place these youth can call home.  

This project had its groundbreaking on August 15, 2025, at the Old Elim Church at 525 East 9th Street, Des Moines.  It is expected to be completed by July, 2026 to usher in new students for its educational programming and also to provide 18 affordable housing studios for homeless youth.