The Community Crate, an exhibit exploring key housing issues in central Iowa, returns to The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University.
The exhibit, tucked inside a 20-foot shipping container, opens Wednesday, Aug. 20, offering a look at eviction rates in the state and Polk County, living costs and wages, barriers to homeownership and renting and homelessness.
It also spotlights Des Moines’ history with redlining, the practice of denying mortgage loans or other financial services to people based on where they lived.
A section on homelessness also gives a glimpse into the city’s recent solutions.
Researchers behind UpLift — The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot program first launched the exhibit in July as a way to continue conversations on poverty. Michael Berger, one of UpLift’s two project coordinators, said he knows many of these topics can seem overwhelming, but the crate helps condense that information, without also oversimplifying it.
“We want community members to come in wherever they’re at in their journey of learning about housing, whether they’re a renter or they’re a homeowner, or there’s someone from out of town (visiting),” Berger said, “we wanted this to be an experience they could come into, and there’s something in there for them to learn.”
Here’s what you need to know about the event, which runs until Wednesday, Aug. 27:
Is the exhibit free?
Yes. The exhibit and guided tours are free. Guests interested in guided tours can register online.
When is it open?
The Community Crate is open during the following hours:
The exhibit is located at The Harkin Institute, 2800 University Ave. It runs until Aug. 27.
Thinking of going? Bring this — if you can
UpLift has partnered with the Des Moines Public Schools Pantries to host a hygiene drive during the weeklong exhibit. Donations such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant and other personal toiletries can be dropped off at The Harkin Institute during exhibit hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other suggested donations:
How can I learn more?
For more details, visit upliftiowa.org.
F. Amanda Tugade covers community and faith for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on X @writefelissa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Community Crate explores housing issues in Des Moines and central Iowa. What to know:
Reporting by F. Amanda Tugade, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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