DES MOINES, Iowa — Anawim Housing is looking for some helping hands as they prepare to open their new apartment building on Merle Hay.

Anawim Housing has worked on turning the old Days Inn into the Monarch Apartments for the past several months and is pleased to be so close to the finish line.

Cynthia Latcham, Anawim Housing President, says they are around a month away from their grand debut, but they need some volunteers to help.

“We’re going to be hosting volunteers to come and help get everything moved into each room, get the rooms set up, make the beds, put all the dishes away in the kitchen and just, make the apartment feel like home,” said Latcham.

Anawim will be setting up the apartments January 22nd to the 28th from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. at 4845 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines and all volunteers are welcomed. There is also an Amazon Wishlist with some essential household items needed for the new tenants.

This is the last step before Anawim will cut the ribbon and open their doors.

“After that, we will begin taking referrals from centralized intake and begin moving people into their apartment,” said Latcham.

The housing isn’t just a short stay, the goal is to move 40 families and individuals into the stable long-term housing that the Monarch provides.

“People will sign a lease, and they will have access to any supportive services that they wish to participate in,” said Latcham.

Cythnia says supporting their members is just as important as making sure they have comfortable living conditions.

‘Whether or not that is reconnecting with family and friends, seeking employment, addressing their health and behavioral health needs, we’re just here to support them in long term tenancy,” said Latcham.

Anawim is overjoyed at the prospect of giving 40 tenants the opportunity to establish themselves and start fresh.

“We know that when people have a safe place to call home, that the whole world opens up for them,” said Lacham. “So, we’re very excited about getting to be a part of that and to bring solutions of housing into our community.”