Shelter and Housing Services
MCSA offers various of housing options for those in need. For more information, call 563-264-3278
Overnight Shelter
After 9:00 PM each evening, our gymnasium converts into an Overnight Shelter for single adult men; there is a separate dorm room for adult women. There is room for up to 45 men to sleep in the gym. Each person has a designated 12' by 12' are for their use.
This is short-term overnight shelter is generally limited to no more than 60 days. The two-month period allows adequate time for people to move into the transitional shelter program, secure employment or obtain other housing.
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MCSA offers overnight services including a bed, bedding, towels and toiletry supplies, laundry, leaflet with address and phone numbers of local meal sites, food pantry and clothing closets.
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MCSA overnight staff is accessible to insure safety and security of guests.
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All programs, services and staff support provided at MCSA are available to overnight guests.
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One locker per person is offered to each overnight guest.
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One tote per person is issued to hold thier pillow, blankets, and sheets during the day.
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Clean linens are issued every Saturday.
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Overnight guests from outside Muscatine County are generally limited to one week of shelter.
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Morning coffee and a wake-up call are available.
Transitional Temporary Individual and Family Housing
Transitional housing includes a temporary home with a small private or semi-private living space; single people generally share a room. The private rooms are furnished with beds, refrigerator, dresser, desk, table and chairs, bedding, toiletries and towels. There is limited room for extra furnishings and personal belongings. No additional storage is provided at MCSA.
People in the Transitional Shelter Program generally live in a community setting, sharing a large dining/living room, a small kitchen, laundry, shower and bathroom.
Particularly for the safety of the children, the Family Shelter is secured from the rest of the building. Each person has a key card to enter the Family Shelter as well as a key to their private living space.
A caseworker meets regularly with each person or family in the transitional program to assist them in improving their circumstances and to help them move from the temporary MCSA housing. The length of time MCSA provides services to people in the transitional shelter is individualized. Residents must be committed and working to take steps to move forward. A plan of action is mapped out with the caseworker; employment, job training, life skills, health-related issues, family development issues and daily chores are built into the work plan.
Each person is asked to direct their work plan in response to the following questions:
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What were the circumstances that brought you to a state of homelessness?
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What do you need to get back on your feet?
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What can MCSA do to help you accomplish your goals?
Gateway Program
This is a program for people who are ready to leave the shelter, but who are needing a “step-up” program to allow them the opportunity to finish academic programs, a longer period of time for family and employment stability, etc. They continue to be supported by the MCSA staff in order to grow with the comfort of a safety net.
Zion Lutheran Church agrees to lease MCSA apartments (Gateway Apartments) under the following terms:
1. Tenants placed in the apartment by MCSA must have demonstrated the desire and ability to move toward greater independence. They must be fully employed or on the Family Investment Program (FIP) and meeting all of their FIP self-sufficiency targets.
2. Tenants shall have in place a viable case plan that moves the tenant to independence within a three-year period of time. This case plan shall include:
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A plan for regular inspections of the apartment by MCSA stafffor the duration of a tenant’s participation in the program.
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The ability of the tenant to pay a portion of the rent. Section 8 vouchers may be used.
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A savings plan that will become the rent deposit for the apartment and will be returned to the tenant at the end of the lease, provided the apartment is left in good condition.
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An agreement to utilize a mentor provided by Zion Lutheran Church.
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An assignment of a weekly chore to be done to assist with the care of the apartment building and grounds.
Rental of Rooms for Single Men
The upper floor of MCSA offers 36 rooms for single men. Amonthly rent of $300 with a $75 down payment is paid on the 1st of each month. Generally, a person is required to have a regular source of income to be housed in these private rooms. Exceptions are made only when the caseworkers, with approval of the Executive Director, determine there is extraordinary or unusual need.
Private rooms with a small closest are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, bed, dresser, desk and two chairs. Bedding and towels are provided by MCSA. In 2010, elevator access and a newly renovated lounge area plus the bath and shower room were added. In addition, a community laundry and cable TV are provided near the entrance of the upper floor.
Staffing assistance, services and programs offered at MCSA are available to people living in these private rooms. Residents have access to the computer lab and gymnasium.
Homeless Prevention
We work with a Homeless Prevention Coordinator who seeks to help families find and live in a safe and healthy environment. The Coordinator is available to:
- assist in finding individuals and families a place to live
- help obtain needed resources
- mediate, advocate, and negotiate with landlords and utilities
- guide in representation to governmental or private entities
Residents in their own words...
"Housing is the storm in my life. The eye in my storm is happiness. I am currnlty at MCSA and they are helping me try to find a place to livea and hep me with a job."
"No one has ever listened to me. The staff (at MCSA) really listen."
"I get lots encouragement from (caseworker). If she doesn't know the answers, she would also get the answers."
"(Caseworker) helped me get a job."