Joppa speaks at December 2018 WHO meeting

The Woodland Heights Organization held its December monthly meeting 12/18/2018.  The meeting's largest draw was guest speaker, Joppa Co-founder and Chairman, Joe Stevens. 

Joe Stevens, Joppa Co-founder & Chairman presents at the Woodland Heights Organization monthly meeting December 18, 2018

According to their website, Joppa, "helps homeless people survive, find housing and rebuild their lives. Our mission is to create communities of unconditional love, support and hope for the homeless, as we work together to prevent and ultimately end homelessness.”

Stevens shared information about why people in Des Moines become homeless, his experience working with the homeless population for decades, and how Joppa, a privately-funded 501(c)3 helps these people cope and work to improve their situations.

Much of the Q&A with neighbors was about Joppa's development projects including plans for a tiny home village and cottage homes.

Other items of interest from the December meeting include, plans for the Jan. 15, 2019 social event, the regular NBSD report, questions and concerns expressed about Public Works and snow removal, and an update on the neighborhood sign.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights.  Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses.  WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Woodland Cemetery Update at October meeting

The October monthly Woodland Heights Organization meeting was held Tuesday, October 16, 2018.

John Woolson, Cemetery Operations Supervisor with Des Moines Parks & Recreation addresses the WHO monthly meeting Oct. 16, 2018

Des Moines Parks & Rec's John Woolson was the 2nd of two guests to speak at the meeting.  He highlighted restoration of monuments/grave markers happening at Woodland Cemetery.  Woolson reminded neighbors to contact him or Mid-American Energy directly if lights are burned out, because we want everything to be adequately visible at night.  Woolson received comments from neighbors about the poor condition of some of the roads in the cemetery as well as parking concerns (lack of) around Chamberlain Park. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights.  Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses.  WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Neighbors speak at Woodland Heights town hall

The Woodland Heights Organization held a 'town hall' styled meeting September, 18, 2018.  Neighbors took turns sharing ideas, concerns, and asking questions.

Neighborhood Based Service Delivery (NBSD) Unit Officer, Sgt. Yanira Scarlett answers Woodland Heights Neighbors' questions at the town hall neighborhood meeting at Scottish Rite Park Sept. 18, 2018

Approximately 20 neighbors attended the meeting.  The following came directly from the town hall:
Questions, comments, concerns, goals, and ideas from neighbors:
1. Idea: Collaboration with North of Grand neighborhood
2. Concern: Gentrification of Woodland Heights neighborhood
3. Goal: Increase Scottish Rite Park resident engagement with WHO
4. Question: How do we differentiate WHO and our neighborhood from other neighborhoods and associations (specifically North of Grand)
5. Comment: WHO provides a good way to find out what's going on in the neighborhood
6. Idea: Working on housing issues in Des Moines (Bridging the Gap)
7. Question: Does Airbnb work in neighborhood?
8. Concern: Rents are going sky high
9. Concern: Make sure landlords keep rental housing stock in fair condition
10. Concern/Question: Is someone sleeping in Chamberlain Park and causing disturbance?
11. Question: What is the best thing for neighbors to do if homeless are in Chamberlain Park after-hours?
12. Idea: Joppa is a group that helps with homelessness in Des Moines
13. Comment: Can use neighborhood meetings to learn what's happening in Woodland Heights
14. Comment: Welcome to new neighbors!
15. Question: Aren't we happy that home values are increasing?
16. Concern: 8 reported auto accidents on Woodland in 2018 year-to-date
17. Idea: Increase amount of 'no parking' space near 24th and Woodland
18. Idea: Investigate making 24th Street 1-way between Woodland and Center

Sergeant Scarlett recommended neighbors review the CrimeMapping.com website to keep aware of incidents in Des Moines.  And as neighbors see anything suspicious or troubling, please call it in to the non-emergency police number:  515-283-4811  (you can report anonymously).  If you see something, say something.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post typed by Phil.

The Woodland Heights Organization (WHO) is the neighborhood association recognized by the city of Des Moines representing Woodland Heights.  Its purpose is is to stabilize, preserve, and revitalize area homes, enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood, and to promote community within our neighborhood amongst all residents and businesses.  WHO is a volunteer organization.

for more information email who50312@gmail.com; view past issues of the email newsletter and subscribe at bit.ly/whoemail; like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whodesmoines

Woodland Heights 2018 National Night Out

Woodland Heights Neighborhood Event
as part of the National Night Out
Tuesday, August 7, 2018 @ Chamberlain Park, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

On Tuesday, August 7,2018, the Woodland Heights Organization will once again host a National Night Out event at Chamberlain Park, located at 2150 Woodland Ave. 

This nationwide annual event is a great social evening that strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. 

The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. This is a FREE event and is Family Friendly. Food and Drinks are provided. 

FREE PARKING: Freedom Financial Bank @ Woodland & MLK (parking lot entrance on Woodland) is generously inviting NNO attendees to park in the bank's parking lot after 5 pm. 

For more info, check FB or email: who50312@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/events/2045834619078477 

https://www.facebook.com/whodesmoines/

https://nextdoor.com/events/2267363/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To read past issues of WHO email newsletter, follow this link (bit.ly/whoemail).
Questions, comments, concerns, news tips? This blog post typed by Phil K.
Email who50312@gmail.com