Waypoint is hosting Plunging for a Purpose, where teams will make a commitment to raise funds to end homelessness, violence, and poverty in our community. Then take a stand by plunging into an ice bath!

Waypoint supports over 20,000 people every year experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, domestic violence, or have lost a loved one to homicide. They also provide high quality child care to all children. Over the last five years the demand for their vital services has increased by 13,000 people through the following programs:

Housing Services

• First stop for anyone experiencing a housing instability or homelessness through Coordinated Entry, known as the community’s “brain of the housing services system.  Nearly 14,000 individuals are supported through this program and over 20 other nonprofits benefit from this collaborative approach. This program ensures individuals are connected to the most appropriate housing intervention and also prevents duplication of services. 
• Eviction Prevention and Homeless Diversion Empowers over 2600 individuals experiencing the initials stages of a housing instability. We work to identify safe and appropriate housing options and assist them in avoiding shelter and returning immediately to housing. 
• Rapid Re-Housing focuses on securing permanent housing as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The program focuses on housing identification, rent assistance, and case management. Financial assistance can be used to cover the cost of security deposits and limited rental assistance. Case management focuses on connecting households to other resources and services in the community to address any issues or barriers that may prevent them from maintaining their stable housing. Over 300 individuals are supported through this program.

Domestic Violence Victim Services

• Supports over 2,200 throughout seven Northeast Iowa counties each year, Waypoint's Domestic Violence Victim Services Program offers free, confidential services to domestic violence victims and survivors, as well as their families. Through a safety net of supportive services, the DV Program helps empower victims and survivors to safely move forward in their lives.
• Nearly 8,000 calls are answered through our Resource & Support Line, offering support to anyone impacted by domestic violence, including family, friends, and victims/survivors.
• Over 300 support groups are administered, a safe place where survivors can connect with each other and lift one another up.

Survivors’ Program

• Supports and advocates for individuals who have lost a family member or friend through homicide or vehicular homicide. Support is also given to victims of violent felony crimes, such as kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder. All services are 100% free and confidential. Over 500 individuals are supported every year through:
  • Emergency crisis support and counseling
  • Information and referrals
  • Death notification and body viewing, Assistance with funeral arrangements
  • Attending hearings with victims/family members, Writing victim impact statements
  • Facilitating communication and attending meetings between law enforcement and the prosecutor's office and the victim

Child Care Scholarships 

• Early education is provided to over 300 children, ages 6 weeks through 12 years every year….providing safe high-quality care for children and ensuring parents/caregivers can continue to work…a win-win for al
• Over 25% of kids attending our child care are on assistance through the state or Waypoint's Sliding Scale Fee Program

Help us advocate to make the world a better place!

More information can be found at www.waypointservices.org.