As Iowans celebrate Thanksgiving, a group of metro men say they're simply thankful for a place to call home. At this time last year the men were living in shacks along the Des Moines River. But in December of 2008, officials determined the shacks, or so-called 'hooches,' were a fire hazard. They were quickly torn down.
The news was frustrating for members of Hope Builders. The organization helped to construct the structures in an effort to combat homelessness in Des Moines. "Its another page in our life. Time to turn a new page," said Hope Builder's David Costello, last year.
No one dreamed that new page would look so good. In February, the seven men who had lost their shacks got word they were headed to apartments funded through the organization Anawim Housing. Normally, there's a waiting list. But city officials helped push the men get in.
"I have a place to fix something to eat when I get hungry," said Dwight Mericle. All the doors are locked. You don't get to worry about somebody running in, stealing your stuff or trashing your place," he said.
Mericle says the apartment leaves him with a lot of things to be thankful about--from real appliances to running water. "A lot of my friends come up here and take showers," he said.
"They're a lot better off. They're warm," said David Costello, standing inside Mericle's apartment Wednesday. "But we remember all those people who are still along the river." Costello estimates there are still nearly 200 people camping there and battling the elements this winter. Mericle says he's most thankful that's a battle he won't have to face.
"Being warm-- that's the best thing. Being able to stay warm and have a nice comfortable place," he said.
Anawim Housing requires each resident to meet with a case worker who helps them address substance abuse and mental health issues. Rent payments are 30% of their income or less.
The news was frustrating for members of Hope Builders. The organization helped to construct the structures in an effort to combat homelessness in Des Moines. "Its another page in our life. Time to turn a new page," said Hope Builder's David Costello, last year.
No one dreamed that new page would look so good. In February, the seven men who had lost their shacks got word they were headed to apartments funded through the organization Anawim Housing. Normally, there's a waiting list. But city officials helped push the men get in.
"I have a place to fix something to eat when I get hungry," said Dwight Mericle. All the doors are locked. You don't get to worry about somebody running in, stealing your stuff or trashing your place," he said.
Mericle says the apartment leaves him with a lot of things to be thankful about--from real appliances to running water. "A lot of my friends come up here and take showers," he said.
"They're a lot better off. They're warm," said David Costello, standing inside Mericle's apartment Wednesday. "But we remember all those people who are still along the river." Costello estimates there are still nearly 200 people camping there and battling the elements this winter. Mericle says he's most thankful that's a battle he won't have to face.
"Being warm-- that's the best thing. Being able to stay warm and have a nice comfortable place," he said.
Anawim Housing requires each resident to meet with a case worker who helps them address substance abuse and mental health issues. Rent payments are 30% of their income or less.
