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St. Vincent de Paul reentry kiosk serves nearly 2K people in 1st year

frank - stock.adobe.com

August 27, 2026

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A St. Vincent de Paul reentry kiosk at the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, Iowa, has assisted nearly 2,000 people since opening in September 2025, according to a Des Moines Register report. The service was developed with Polk County officials to connect people leaving jail with resources including housing, transportation, food, clothing and Medicaid enrollment as they transition back into the community.

St. Vincent de Paul employees staff the kiosk and can connect users with the nonprofit's programs and outside organizations providing longer-term assistance. More than 600 people have received referrals during the kiosk's first year. The program has also added transportation assistance and expanded staffing, allowing it to operate during mornings and on Saturdays in addition to weekday evenings.

Officials said demand has exceeded expectations and prompted the county and nonprofit to adjust services as they learn more about the needs of people leaving incarceration. Staff members said helping individuals arrange transportation to homes, shelters and other destinations can provide an important first step toward stability, while the kiosk gives correctional officers a place to direct people who need assistance immediately after their release.