Survey: Most Des Moines Homeless Men Had Childhood Traumatic Events

(Des Moines, IA) -- A survey of homeless men in Des Moines is revealing their history of childhood trauma.

Hope Ministries, which conducted the survey, says it demonstrates the complexity of homelessness.

Kathy Coady of Hope Ministries says, "The men that we serve at Hope Ministries have experienced on average multiple traumatic events in childhood, more than four on average."

She says traumatic events include being abused or witnessing domestic abuse.

The majority of men that Hope Ministries serve struggle with mental illness and/or addiction.