Iowa’s Give Where You Live Week of Action starts Nov. 15 with a statewide challenge

DES MOINES — The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) are inviting Iowans to donate supplies, volunteer or organize a drive for a local homelessness service provider or food bank during the Give Where You Live Week of Action, Nov. 15-21, then tag an individual or business in a friendly challenge to do the same.

In the campaign’s call-to-action video, familiar Iowa faces, business and community leaders and neighbors across the state invite Iowans to help individuals and families facing hunger and homelessness. The Week of Action takes place during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 15-21 and the campaign continues through Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1.

“There’s no limit to what Iowans can do when we show up for one another,” said Debi Durham, director of IFA and IEDA. “Our shelter partners help individuals and families through some of their hardest days as they work to get back on their feet. This is our chance to lend a hand. Visit our website to see what your local shelter needs, whether it’s winter gloves, toothbrushes or volunteers to sort donations. Pick one way to help, then tag a friend or a business and challenge them to give where they live.”

On a single night in January 2026, Iowa’s Point-in-Time count identified 3,147 people experiencing homelessness statewide, including 748 who were unsheltered. As colder weather approaches, local organizations are asking for items they can put to use right away, including winter gloves, new socks and personal care supplies.

IFA and IEDA staff will kick off the Week of Action on Monday, Nov. 16, by hearing from Iowans who have experienced homelessness and assembling kits of essentials to help fellow Iowans in their time of need. Afterward, staff will share their project and challenge others to give back in their own communities.

Take the Give Where You Live Challenge
Help a local organization. Donate an item from its wish list, sign up for a volunteer shift or organize a donation drive with your coworkers, school or community group.

Share your impact. Share a photo or video of how you’re giving back on social media using #GiveWhereYouLiveIA. Tag the organization you supported and encourage others to get involved.

Tag someone to go next. Challenge a friend, business or a community group to give where they live and pass the challenge along.
Iowans and businesses can join the challenge by sharing efforts already underway, such as a donation drive, a workplace supply collection or volunteer work with a local shelter and tagging someone to go next. Throughout the week, IFA and IEDA will spotlight both ongoing and new projects to inspire others to give back in their own communities.

Find Amazon Wish Lists, requested donation items and volunteer opportunities at iowafinance.com/givewhereyoulive.