A place to call home.

DSC02493Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. ~ Pope Francis

Catholic Charities Refugee Services works through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the U.S. State Department. Our agency resettles clients that have family, or close friends living in our area. We have 90 days to settle families for their new life in Iowa. Every family is unique, and requires a variety of services. Health exams, job placement assistance, school enrollment, language classes, and bus training are just some of the many tasks that have to be completed during the first three months. We want to get the entire family off to a great start so they can be successful.

Family Reunification

Are you a refugee and have family overseas?

Catholic Charities of Des Moines can help you apply for family reunification. Click HERE for more information.

Volunteer

Volunteers and donors help our staff set up apartments, collect housewares and household products, conduct bus training, and more. Both individuals and groups can volunteer, one time or on a reoccurring basis.  For more information and to set up a date to volunteer, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click the turquoise VOLUNTEER button. Catholic Charities’ Family Friendship Program pairs local and refugee families together to better connect our new Iowans with resources and friendly faces. More information about how to get involved in this volunteer opportunity for you and/or your whole family can be found in this document.

Donate

  • To donate items for home setups of newly arrived families click HERE for our Amazon wish list. Items purchased are shipped directly to Catholic Charities refugee program.
  • Contact Catholic Charities staff at donations@catholiccharitiesdm.org to donate furniture, household items, etc. and for donation location and times.
  • Donations can be taken to Catholic Charities’ warehouse at 3 College Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 every Monday from 12 pm – 4 pm.
  • Currently, items in highest demand for our FY24 arrivals include: vacuums (must be new), lamps (must be new), brooms & mops, pots & pans, deodorant