YSS - Iowa Homeless Youth Center (IHYC) serves adolescents experiencing homelessness alongside mental health and substance use challenges in Des Moines. With over four decades of experience, this organization works to eliminate youth homelessness throughout Iowa by providing comprehensive resources that foster independence and help break cycles of poverty. The center offers specialized mental health counseling tailored to adolescents' needs, helping them achieve greater stability in their lives. Dedicated case managers support educational goals through tutoring, financial aid assistance, and connecting youth with additional resources. For those struggling with addiction, IHYC's Ember Recovery program delivers evidence-based treatment with individualized care plans and effective relapse prevention strategies. Their approach emphasizes gender-responsive care, family involvement when appropriate, and a comfortable environment that helps young people feel secure during recovery. IHYC meets youth wherever they are in their journey, offering practical support through nine emergency beds and off-site apartments for young adults needing housing. Their drop-in services provide immediate necessities including showers, laundry facilities, hygiene supplies, free meals, job search assistance, and connections to other community resources. This comprehensive approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability for vulnerable youth in the community.