DES MOINES, Iowa — The building at 1301 Kenyon Ave is vacant for now, but Hope Ministries has plans to turn it into affordable housing for men who were formerly homeless.
The organization sees this project as a step in the right direction for Des Moines , though neighbors say they are concerned about what this means for the neighborhood.
"We've got potentially 12 men living in this location who have all come through services with Hope Ministries that want to live in a sober and safe and supportive environment," Hope Ministries CEO Kathy Coady said.
Hope Ministries sees this affordable housing proposal as a solution and second chance for men in their program, but residents of the Watrous Neighborhood took to the Des Moines City Council meeting on Monday hoping to convince city leaders otherwise.
"If this passes and something real negative happens, I'm going to never forgive myself for not convincing you that this need not happen," Watrous resident John Carl said.
He also worried about the building's proximity to places where children frequent.
"It's a block and a half south of Wright Elementary. It's a block and a half east of the bus stop that picks kids up and, takes them to Brody and brings them back. It's a block and a half west of a swimming pool where 50 kids were swimming the other day," Carl added.
Hope Ministries said it understands residents wanting to protect their neighborhood, but reiterated it intends to ensure every person can find a neighborhood safe for them.
"Everyone has value, and everyone deserves that opportunity. And again, these are not men coming directly from homelessness. These are not men coming directly from any other environment other than a stable and supportive place. They've been with Hope Ministries, and they want to take those positive steps forward in their life," Coady said.
According to Coady, the rules they have for the renters will be different than what renters normally have in Iowa. They can evict these tenants at any moment in time if they break their rules or any city laws.
The plan was initially set to be approved or denied by Council on Monday, but due to severe weather, that decision has been postponed to Monday, July 22.