Reflections on Success: Health Center Voices

Iowa

Primary Health Care, Inc.
Des Moines

A family of six arrived at Primary Health Care, Inc.’s Health Care for the Homeless Center in Des Moines, Iowa, desperate and homeless. The father spoke for the family stating that the gangs in his hometown were threatening the safety of his four children; so he relocated his family to Des Moines in search of a less violent place to live. Their plan was to stay with relatives until he found work; but that fell through because his family was asked to leave.

When Dad informed the intake worker that he was a certified mechanic, the worker gave him the classified/employment section of the newspaper. Dad found two job openings and scheduled immediate interviews. The intake worker also called area family shelters to assess bed availability since the family would need temporary shelter—an opening was found.

The next day the family returned to the health center to express their appreciation for the services they received and to inform staff that Dad was hired by an auto dealership at a pay rate equal to his previous salary in the big city.