Youth Shelter & Services urges Norwalk to consider one‑time gift to support emergency youth beds
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Summary
Stu Sherman, development director for Youth Shelter & Services (Iowa homeless youth center), asked the Norwalk City Council to add to a future agenda consideration of a one‑time municipal contribution of at least $5,000 to support nine emergency beds for 18–24 year‑olds in Des Moines.
During the public comment portion of the Nov. 6 meeting, Stu Sherman, Development Director for Youth Shelter & Services (YSS), asked council to consider placing an item on a future agenda to discuss a one‑time municipal gift of at least $5,000 to help sustain the Iowa Homeless Youth Center’s emergency bed program.
Sherman described the emergency bed program — a nine‑bed walk‑in shelter serving 18–24 year‑olds — and said annual operating costs are about $400,000. He told council one grant currently provides $65,000 and that Polk County has pledged $150,000 annually for three years; the city of Des Moines recently made a one‑time $75,000 contribution. Sherman said the request to area cities is modeled on a per‑resident calculation that produced a Norwalk suggestion of roughly 35¢ per resident and that YSS is asking the city to consider a $5,000 minimum gift.
What Sherman asked: He requested placement on a future agenda to allow a fuller presentation and discussion of possible municipal support and local partnership options.
Council response: The mayor thanked Sherman for coming and indicated the request would be scheduled for follow‑up consideration.
Ending: Council did not take immediate action; staff will coordinate scheduling if the council directs agenda placement.