Serving the Vulnerable: Emily Welch Smith on Central Iowa Shelter & Services - 02/07/2026

On this episode of Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and Jeanne Thill are joined by Emily Welch Smith, Director of Philanthropy for Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS). Together, they explore the growing needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in Central Iowa and the vital work being done to provide shelter, stability, and long-term empowerment.

Emily shares the inspiring origins of CISS, founded by a coalition of local churches, and explains how the organization has grown into a comprehensive support center offering far more than emergency housing. Services include job training, meals open to the public, a community clothing closet, food pantry, and the innovative Empowerment Command Center, where clients receive help with resumes, healthcare access, identification documents, and housing resources.

The conversation also highlights the deep connection between homelessness and mental illness, the challenges of bitter winter weather, and how the shelter serves as an official warming center during weather amnesty.

In the closing reflections, Bishop Joensen connects this mission to the Gospel call of Matthew 25 and the upcoming World Day of the Sick, reminding listeners that Christian charity is not passive but a decision to draw near with mercy and love.

To learn more or volunteer, visit centraliowashelter.org.

#MakingItPersonal #BishopJoensen #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicRadio #FaithInAction #CentralIowaShelter #EmilyWelchSmith #ServeThePoor #Matthew25 #HomelessOutreach #CatholicCharity #HumanDignity #WorldDayOfTheSick

Iowa Catholic Radio Network Shows:

• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid in Spanish with Fr. Fabian Moncada
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• Making It Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulus
• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• The Catholic Morning Show with Dr. Bo Bonner
• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.