Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - IHYC

10/06/2026

THIS FRIDAY, our community will come together to raise awareness and take action to end youth homelessness.

Every night, young people across Iowa face the harsh reality of not having a safe place to sleep, a stable support system, or a clear path forward.

Reggie’s Sleepout is more than a fundraiser. It’s a powerful community event that brings people together to better understand the realities of youth homelessness, show up for young people, and take action toward a future where every young person has a safe place to call home.

There’s still time to be part of the impact. Registration is free, and you can join us during the day to build cardboard structures or stay with us and sleep out Friday night: https://givebutter.com/RSO2026

And we couldn’t do this without the incredible support of our sponsors. Thank you for standing with YSS and with young people across Iowa. Your support makes Reggie’s Sleepout possible and helps us continue this important work. 💙

We’ll see you Friday at Drake Stadium.

09/28/2026

Reggie’s Sleepout is just TWO WEEKS away!

Register. Donate. Volunteer. Every way you get involved helps support at-risk and homeless youth in our community.

Join us: https://givebutter.com/RSO2026

09/11/2026

On September 11, fans can bring any of the items listed below to our game and receive a free General Admission ticket for tomorrow's game! This donation drive is in support of The Youth Support Services with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.

Items requested: Hygiene Items, Pillows, pillowcases, Kitchen Supplies (silverware, plastic dishes, paper towels), Dish Soap / Laundry Soap, Clorox Wipes, Toothbrush / Toothpaste, Towel Sets, Ziploc Bags, Bed Sheets, Shampoo, Body Wash, Conditioner, Air Fresheners, and Backpacks

09/11/2026

Donate Supplies for IHYC and watch the first pitch!

IHYC will be throwing the first pitch at the Iowa Cubs game at 7pm as Thrivent’s Non-Profit of the Month on Friday, September 11th!

IHYC will also be accepting supplies from fans and handing out free General Admission tickets for the game when gates open at 6pm!

Please also check out the link in our Linktree for tickets as well!

09/09/2026

We’re 30 days out from Reggie’s Sleepout! 💙

For more than 20 years, Reggie’s Sleepout has brought our community together to raise awareness and funds to support youth experiencing homelessness.

Join us October 9 at Drake Stadium. Come for the activities, food, and fun during the day, or stay overnight and sleep in a cardboard shelter on the field. However you participate, you’re helping show young people that their community cares.

As YSS President & CEO Andrew Allen shared, “YSS is really trying to ensure that kids don’t slip through the cracks, that they are given every opportunity to be successful, and that they are cared for well. And it’s events like Reggie’s Sleepout that get that done.”

Learn more and register today: https://givebutter.com/RSO2026

08/24/2026

Reggie’s Sleepout is more than one night. It’s an opportunity to show up for youth experiencing homelessness in our community.

We need volunteers to help make this year’s Sleepout happen, with shifts available for cardboard transportation, the merchandise table, food service and cleanup.

📅 October 9
📍 Drake Stadium, Des Moines

Whether you can give a few hours or stay for the whole event, your time makes a difference.

Sign up to volunteer and be part of Reggie’s Sleepout: https://dash.pointapp.org/events/618217

08/05/2026

Help stock YSS programs and make an impact in the lives of youth and families we serve. 💙

Our Summer Supply Drive is collecting essential items that help support the everyday needs of YSS programs. From household necessities to program-specific supplies, your contributions help ensure our teams have the resources needed to continue providing safe, supportive spaces throughout our communities.

We’re offering two opportunities to donate and support YSS programs:

📍 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
📌 YSS Rooftop Gardens
2705 E Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50317
❓Supplies needed can be found on social media at

📍 Monday, August 10
⏰ 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
📌 YSS Headquarters
420 Kellogg Ave
Ames, IA 50010
❓Supplies needed can be found at https://www.roonga.com/yss2026supplydrive

If you’d like to participate, bring items from our supply lists to one of the events above. Every item, big or small, helps support the programs and services happening every day at YSS.

Thank you for helping us strengthen the communities we serve!

08/03/2026

What supplies should you bring to the Summer Supply Drive Cookout?

Don't worry! We made it simple and provided a list of supply needs from each program!

06/24/2026

06/17/2026

“Anyone can believe in themselves, but when other people do, you can push past the limits you thought that you had.”

At 16 years old, Kaiya became a mother. Before she had the chance to find her own footing, she was navigating homelessness, unsafe situations, and challenges no young person should have to face alone.

But Kaiya kept moving forward.

Through YSS’ Iowa Homeless Youth Center and Lighthouse, she found more than resources. She found people who believed in her, supported her through setbacks, and reminded her that a different future was possible.

Today, Kaiya has built stability for her family, grown in her career, and is working toward her dream of becoming a welder. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are met with opportunity, compassion, and someone who refuses to give up on them.

Read Kaiya’s full story: https://yss.org/kaiyas-story/