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 Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our StationsLINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.