Whatever Happened to Blue Star Homes in Iowa?

In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, many homes around the Hawkeye State had a Blue Star in the window. As a child, I vividly remember being instructed by my parents that if I were to get lost or run into danger, a Blue Star House would provide me with a haven.

Thankfully, I never needed to use one myself, but there are countless stories of kids finding a home with a blue star in the window in times of need. But whatever happened to them and why aren't they around these days?

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What Happened to Blue Star Houses?

The "Blue Star Program" began in the late 70s/early 80s in the US. It was a community safety initiative designed to provide children with safe havens in times of danger or distress. Homes participating in the program displayed a blue star in their window, signaling that the residence was a trusted place where children could seek help. Any family who wanted to join as a "Blue Star Family" had to submit an application and undergo screening by local police departments to ensure that they were a safe and reliable family for the program. Once a child sought refuge in a Blue Star home, the homeowner would contact local authorities or the child’s school for assistance.

The program was piloted in cities like Dubuque, Iowa, and expanded nationwide under the endorsement of organizations such as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). It emphasized clear guidelines for volunteers, including avoiding transportation of injured children to minimize liability. The program was inspired, in part, by earlier initiatives designed to protect vulnerable populations, such as newspaper carriers, following incidents of abductions. The Girl Scouts also played a key role in getting the program off the ground.

Over time, however, the Blue Star Program faced challenges. With more parents working outside the home and fewer community members volunteering, the initiative struggled to keep its relevancy in Iowa. Privacy concerns related to background checks further discouraged participation, while societal shifts led schools and communities to adopt alternative safety strategies, such as creating "safe zones" near schools. These factors, combined with a lack of sustained public interest, ultimately led to the program disbanding itself sometime in the early 2000s.

Story Sources: Encyclopedia Dubuque Website, Iowa State Daily Website