AAU Cares

The AAU strives to provide athletes with first-class athletic opportunities but, beyond the athletic surface, we strongly believe in instilling a sense of social responsibility in our 700,000 members nationwide. AAU Cares is our way of giving back to the community. 

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, a YSS Organization, has worked to eliminate homelessness amongst children, youth, and young mothers in Polk County since 1985. For over 40 years, Iowa Homeless Youth Centers has created hope and opportunity for homeless youth and families between the ages of 18-24 years old because with support and assistance we believe they can live independently and attain self-sufficiency. We have Youth Opportunity Center located at 612 Locust Street which has our Drop-In Center, Street Outreach Program, Emergency Bed Program, and Aftercare program. For housing, we have the Lighthouse program that houses young mothers and their children, and the Tenant Based Rental Assistance and Rapid Rehousing programs that give housing support to homeless young adults for a year.

ABOUT REGGIE’S SLEEPOUT:

The Aftercare program supports youth that have aged out of the foster care system and was developed because of Reggie Kelsey, a homeless young adult that aged out of foster care and was sadly found in the Des Moines River in 2002. IHYC honors Reggie Kelsey by hosting the annual event Reggie’s Sleepout at Drake Stadium every year in the fall. This event raises awareness to the community about youth homelessness in Des Moines and fundraises to support IHYC programs. This year on October 9th will be the 21st year of Reggie’s Sleepout at Drake Stadium and for the first time be an all-day event starting at 10 a.m.

Iowa Homeless Youth Centers, 612 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309
515-883-2379
Yss.org
FOLLOW US on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and X @ihycdsm

Donation Opportunities

- MONEY
- HYGIENE PRODUCTS
- CHARGERS AND CHARGING BLOCKS
- BRUSHES FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
- COMBS FOR ALL HAIR TYPES
- HAIR TIES
- BELTS
- UNDERWEAR
- SHOES
- BATTERIES
- BOOKBAGS

Overall Mission

To create hope and opportunity for homeless young adults so they can live independently and attain self-sufficiency in Polk County.