Will you be my neighbor?

Begun in 2002, the New Hope Community is a “community of presence” in Riverbend, a low-income neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. 

The core members of the New Hope Community keep their doors -- and their hearts -- open to all.

Their goal is to reconnect with the spirit of the early Christian community. They commit, one year at a time, to live near each other in order to pray together, prepare meals, share expenses, experience the joys and challenges of daily life and be “present” to one another as well as to their neighbors, especially those in need.

Although members may have full or part time jobs elsewhere, all are involved in a myriad of ways with their neighbors:

• gardening and bringing beauty to the neighborhood

• offering afterschool art classes for children and evening classes for adults

• working with residents of a nearby group home

• serving on the breakfast canteen

• welcoming visitors

• volunteering for programs in the neighborhood school

• interpreting for Spanish speaking persons

Like the early Christians whose way of life attracted others, a volunteer extended community ebbs and flows around them: 

• A garden-loving couple comes on Saturdays to help beautify the housing center’s grounds.

• College students and young professionals provide tutoring assistance.

• Friends, family and colleagues stop by with a batch of fresh-baked cookies or an abundance from their garden.

Core members commit to an ongoing program of spiritual development although formal study is not involved.  One of the most popular events of the week is the Saturday reflection group or the Sunday Scripture readings.  Anyone can come – and many stay to share dinner and visit in the neighborhood. 

Living in such an intense community has been enriching but also challenging, they all say.

"It has challenged me to see retirement, not as stopping ministry, but as changing ministry,” says Ursula Keough, whose 60+ years as a full member of the CHM community included service as a high school teacher, the principal of an elementary school,  parish pastoral ministry  and service to the poor. As one of the founding members of the New Hope Community she’s the community’s “grandmother” with a special gift for hospitality and making people feel at home.

Humility of Mary video

For more information:   

v  Persons who are interested in learning more about the the New Hope Community

or becoming involved as a volunteer in the River Bend neighborhood should

e-mail Sr. Ramona Kaalberg or call 563/336-8403 or 515/282-3521.

Click here to submit and inquiry form, and you will be contacted.