Our First Sunday collection for May will benefit Joppa.  Joppa is a faith-based nonprofit that helps homeless people survive, find housing, and rebuild their lives. Their mission is to create communities of unconditional love, support, and hope for the homeless. Joppa does not operate on state or federal funding; 80+% of their support comes from private donations from individuals, families, and churches.

Since 2008, Joppa has helped lift more than 850 people off the streets, with over 80% remaining in housing thanks to the long-term Aftercare and Circle of Friends programs. In 2025, they helped 117 people off the streets, plus another 49 so far this year. Joppa continues weekly outreach, having never missed a week in more than 900 consecutive weeks, building relationships and delivering food, clothing, hygiene items, and essential support to those living outdoors in all conditions. In 2025, Joppa served 2,425 individuals, a 280% increase since 2021, and made more than 10,000 referrals to connect people with critical resources. Looking ahead, Joppa Village will provide permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals, building on our proven community-based approach to ending homelessness.

Following are several annual giving levels that help cover our direct, out-of-pocket average costs to help lift people off our streets:

•  $1,200 ($100/month) can lift one homeless person into a home each year.
•  $2,400 ($200/month) can lift one couple or two individuals into a home each year.
•  $4,800 ($400/month) can lift one family with children into a home each year.
•  $9,600 ($800/month) can lift two families or eight people into a home each year.

DMIEC community’s support—through giving, volunteering, and introducing others—can directly lift individuals and families from the streets into stable homes. CEO and Co-founder of JOPPA, Joe Stevens, will be available after the First Sunday prayer service to speak with anyone interested in learning more, including ways to volunteer and introduce others to JOPPA’s good work. For more information, visit https://www.joppa.org .

Checks can be made payable either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “Joppa” with “DMIEC” in the memo line.  Checks should be placed in the May 10th Collection Basket or mailed to: DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310.

To be included in the amount DMIEC sends to the organization First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by May 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to the organization with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Joppa, 2326 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310, and, if comfortable, let DMIEC’s Social Justice Committee Chair Kathy Eastman know the amount to assist in recording our community’s giving.