Council approves lease for Joppa Village; first phase to include 50 units, officials say

The Des Moines City Council on Oct. 20 approved a lease agreement to allow Joppa Village to occupy property in the vicinity of 2501 Morris Street, moving forward a project supporters say will provide housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. The council approved the lease on a recorded 6–1 vote with one abstention.

Supporters said the project repurposes an existing structure formerly used as a greenhouse and the old Scott Avenue School, where water and sewer infrastructure already exist. During public comment, Steve Carter, representing Bread of Life Church, described Joppa Village as “shaping the future of, making homelessness a thing of the past” and urged the council to support the lease. Council members and staff thanked Polk County and the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority for partnering on site selection and logistics. One council member noted Polk County supervisors have committed funding and said the project has been years in the making.

Officials and speakers described the first phase as planned for roughly 50 units and said the project will include wraparound services such as a food pantry and employment and training opportunities available to both residents and neighbors. Council discussion praised the persistence of project organizers and noted the operational funding for ongoing services remains an outstanding issue to be addressed by partners and funders.

The record at the meeting shows the council moved the item, received multiple public comments in support including from neighborhood representatives, and then voted. The motion carried 6 yes, 1 abstain. The council did not provide a detailed final funding plan for ongoing operations during the meeting; council members said Polk County and other partners have indicated support.