PROJECTS
Here’s what we’re working on.
Black Children’s Memorial
Located at 1601 6th Avenue, the Black Children’s Memorial was created in fall 2020 to hold space for lost and missing children in Des Moines and across Iowa. The memorial is open to all, and visitors are encouraged to bring flowers (fresh or fake), small toys or items and signs to place at the site.
The names we honor include:
Abdullah (Abdi) Sharif
Breasia Terrell
Italia Kelly
Isaiah Fernandez-Smith
Juneteenth Celebration
Each year on Juneteenth (June 19), the DSM BLM Foundation has held our Juneteenth Celebration, an event open to families and neighbors where we can come together, share space and create joy.
DSM Rent Relief Fund
The DSM BLM Rent Relief Fund is a collectivist response to the existing housing crisis that was exacerbated by COVID-19 and the ending of eviction moratoriums at the federal and state level. This fund was formed in the relationship between Des Moines Black Liberation Movement and Des Moines Mutual Aid. The fund provides monetary support to people needing assistance making rent payments, paying utility bills, finding emergency housing and more.
Follow the Facebook page to see updates about the rent relief fund, including when applications are being accepted.
Venmo: @DesMoines_MutualAid Cash App: $dsmblmrentrelief PayPal: bit.ly/dsmblmrentrelief Patreon: patreon.com/dsmrentrelief
Online application View other available resources for renters in DSM/Polk County.