Stories News

The HUD Iowa Field Office and Federal Executive Council have a tradition of sponsoring an annual sock drive at the Neal Smith Federal building in Des Moines, Iowa. The sock drive is an initiative started in 2013 to assist people with homeless outreach and the spirit of giving throughout the year. 

Many people consider socks to be an annoyance at the holiday gift-giving time rather than an essential part of one’s wish list. Every year unsheltered people walk mile after mile looking for shelter and safety. In that process, shoes worn are thin and socks are laid bare which in turn exposes feet to the elements and disease. Consequently, nearly 818 pairs of socks were donated this year. Moreover, since the inception of this community, nearly 7500 pairs of socks have been donated. The HUD Office of Field Policy and Management (FPM) took the lead in the 2023 sock collection initiative. They organized the collection of socks, sent reminders to occupants of federal buildings, counted the donated socks, and subsequently delivered them to the Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS). Melissa O’Neil, the Chief Executive Officer of CISS, received the donated socks.

Central Iowa Shelter and Services is regarded as Iowa’s largest homeless center with 231 beds including 150 emergency shelter beds, 62 section 8 project-based voucher efficiency apartments, and 19 transitional housing rooms for veterans. Consequently, CISS is providing low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services to adults experiencing homelessness along with supporting their move toward self-sufficiency. CISS has expanded its services to include an on-site health clinic, clothing closet, food pantry, classrooms, and career preparation programs. 

Some of the programs also include culinary arts, agriculture and sustainability farming, and janitorial skills training.