Plans for Fort Madison Homeless Shelter Halted After Project Leader's Death

The proposed 40-bed Safe Haven shelter was put on hold following the passing of Jon Heyland, the project's driving force.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 8:30pm

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Plans for a proposed 40-bed homeless shelter called Safe Haven in Fort Madison, Iowa have been put on hold after the death of the project's leader, Jon Heyland, late last year. The shelter was intended to provide temporary housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in the area, but the nonprofit group behind it has decided to discontinue efforts due to a lack of momentum and an inability to find someone to take on a similar leadership role.

Why it matters

Homelessness is an ongoing issue in the Fort Madison area, and the Safe Haven shelter was seen as a potential solution to provide a safe, structured environment with staff and volunteer support. Heyland's death has dealt a significant blow to the project, highlighting the challenges of sustaining community-driven initiatives when key leaders are lost.

The details

The Safe Haven shelter was proposed to be located in the former St. Mary's convent on Avenue E, with the property having been transferred to a nonprofit. Supporters said the facility aimed to address homelessness in the area, which is often tied to financial hardship or domestic situations beyond just substance abuse. However, the board behind the project has decided to discontinue efforts, citing the loss of momentum after Heyland's passing and an inability to find someone to take on a similar leadership role.

  • Jon Heyland, the project leader, passed away late last year.

The players

Jon Heyland

The project leader for the proposed Safe Haven homeless shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa, who passed away late last year.

Safe Haven

The proposed 40-bed homeless shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa that was intended to provide temporary housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in the area.

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What they’re saying

“Homelessness in the area extends beyond substance abuse, often tied to financial hardship or domestic situations.”

— Jon Heyland, Project Leader

What’s next

The board behind the Safe Haven project has decided to discontinue efforts, and they have been unable to find someone to take on a similar leadership role to Heyland.

The takeaway

The loss of a key community leader can have a significant impact on the sustainability of important initiatives, especially those addressing complex social issues like homelessness. This case highlights the need for robust succession planning and the cultivation of diverse leadership to ensure the continuity of critical community projects.