Able Up Iowa, formerly known as Iowa Able Foundation, is non-profit organization that helps people of all abilities become financially independent by providing solutions of financial needs and empowering them to achieve financial goals.

Since 1993, they have provided an accessible borrowing option to Iowans for purchasing products and services related to living independently. Able Up Iowa offers lower interest rates, credit building, emergency funding, and forgivable loans.

Information about the specific loans offered is available on the Iowa Able Up website.

Above + Beyond Cancer is a public charity with a mission to elevate the lives of those touched by cancer, to create a healthier world. Above + Beyond Cancer is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All Optimal Living Programs and Classes are free to Cancer Survivors. Our programs are also open to Caregivers and the Community. Cancer Patients and Survivors may receive a 12-week YMCA scholarship or MercyOne Health and Fitness Scholarship after a Doctor referral.

Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP) is Iowa’s Foster Care Youth Council that meets in Councils throughout the state. AMP seeks to unleash the full potential for personal growth among Iowa’s foster youth ages 13-22. Together, they provide opportunities to build life and leadership skills while advocating for positive change to Iowa’s child welfare system.

Summarized by the motto, “Nothing about us, without us,” AMP is a youth engagement program.  AMP involves young people as advocates for themselves and as a voice for system-level improvements in child welfare laws, policies and practices. When supported through productive partnerships with adults, youth can be authoritative advocates for making foster care more responsive and effective.

The Good Samaritan Food Pantry provides food and personal care items. The pantry also supplies weekend food packages to students in local schools. During the holidays, a Thanksgiving meal is available as well. Clients can shop for food once every 30 days. Food allotments are based on family size and are approximately 5-7 days worth of food. Clients can pick up “anytime food” more than once a month if available from local food rescue.

GSFP partners with Adel Ministerial Alliance, local churches and businesses, civic organizations, Food Bank of Iowa and area residents to provide supplemental food for those with need. The Good Samaritan Food Pantry (GSFP) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.

AffordableHousing.com, formerly GoSection8.com, is a free website to search for rentals, including those who accept Section 8. The site it nationwide, and searches are completed by zip code or city.

Afghan Legal League (ALL) Iowa is a collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Law’s Legal Clinic and Center for Human Rights, Drake Refugee Clinic, and Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice to provide and facilitate immigration legal services to Afghans in Iowa. The ALL Iowa Project is funded by a grant from the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services.

African Immigrants & Refugees Transition services (AIRTS) is a non profit organization founded by and for immigrants and refugees from Africa living in Iowa. Since 2016 they have provided immigrants and refugees the resources they need to successfully settle in their new home/community.

Aging Resources of Central Iowa is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3), Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Their goal is to assist older adults in leading independent, dignified, meaningful, and active lives in their communities. Aging Resources staff advocate, coordinate and provide services through federal, state and private funding to persons 60 years of age and older and their caregivers. Aging Resources is a LifeLong Links (Iowa’s Aging and Disability Resource Center) local coordination center providing information referral and assistance to adults with disabilities.

The Area Agencies on Aging respond to the needs of persons aged 60 and over by assessing current needs, services, and programs available to older Iowans. Likewise, AAAs provide information and assistance services to that population and advocate on its behalf.

The Ames Area Office maintains lists of local AA meeting groups to provide connection to services for those looking to address their alcohol use.

The Central Iowa Office maintains lists of local AA meeting groups to provide connection to services for those looking to address their alcohol use.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Innovative grief support services that promote hope and healing to individuals, children, and families. Ranging from dinner club gatherings for young adults, to opportunities to attend local events, Amanda the Panda engages participants in activities that promote socialization and help individuals, children, and families rebuild after the death of a loved one.

Amani Community Services offers free domestic violence and sexual violence services for African Americans.

The Ankeny Service Center (ASC) coordinates human services and referrals for the residents of Ankeny and northern Polk County. Ankeny Service Center exists to serve the underserved in our community by meeting immediate needs, as well as providing a path to success. Ankeny Service Center partners with local service organizations, businesses, and community members.

Food pantry open to residents of Atlantic in Cass County. Two weeks worth of food provided. Seniors permitted one visit per month, all others may visit up to six times per year. Exceptions may be granted in emergency situations. Proof of residence required.

Bidwell Pantry operates a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month.

Bidwell Pantry has additional daily food items available. Bidwell Pantry also provides clothing, and household items. All services are first come, first served.

Can Play provides access to sports and recreation programming for thousands of underserved youth in central Iowa with financial, physical, cognitive, emotional, or chronic health care barriers to play.

Capitol Hill Lutheran Church is a religious organization that offers services and outreach to the surrounding community.

Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners serving eastern Polk County. A food pantry is available and can be used once per week.

Financial assistance may be available as well through their Uplift program. Application available on the website.

Caring Hands is a network of Christian Churches and community partners serving eastern Polk County. A food pantry is available and can be used once per week.

Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) covers includes the counties of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion and Story (does not include the cities of Knoxville or Pella).

Individuals entering a residential-based substance use treatment program need a safe place that will offer education, support, and encouragement to interrupt the cycle of addiction and develop the life skills necessary for productive, healthy lives. Community and Family Resources offers residential treatment opportunities and programming to help clients complete each step of the recovery process. Individualized treatment plans include group therapy, individual counseling, education, and recreation activities to help clients make the transition to a recovery-oriented lifestyle.

The mission of Child Care Resource & Referral of Iowa (CCR&R) is to actively respond to community needs for affordable and accessible quality child care by providing resources, education and advocacy for children, parents, child care providers, and employers. CCR&R is a program to support quality child care throughout the State of Iowa. CCR&R is available to assist families in selecting child care providers who best meet the needs of a child and their family. Child Care Consultants provide on-site consultation to licensed preschools, centers, non-registered home providers, and Child Development Home providers. Child Care Resource & Referral is available statewide, with locations across the state of Iowa. Individuals may contact the statewide line to connect to local resources.

Clive Behavioral Health offers a broad range of treatment for individuals who struggle with a behavioral health disorder or co-occurring disorders. Our vision is to provide family-centered care that helps patients achieve a brighter future.

The new 100-bed facility spans more than 83,000 square-feet, with a one-story area for clinical and support services and a three-story unit for inpatient and outpatient services. We welcome our patients into a network of care by partnering with academic, regional and community-based entities.

Clive Community Services was approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation on December 9, 2014 and opened its doors in August 2016. It was founded by Linda Shanks, Chad Whitmore, and Stephanie Horak in response to a growing level of need in the Crestview School neighborhood.

Their location, within walking distance of Crestview School of Inquiry, is convenient for many in the neighborhood.

Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Creative Visions Human Development Institute was founded in 1996 to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth in Des Moines. Creative Visions Human Development Institute provides programs and services which work to stabilize family units and empower communities. Creative Visions Human Development Institute is accredited with the Iowa Registry of Non-Profit Accountability having adopted the Iowa Principles and Practices for Charitable Excellence to govern its operations. This designation means that Creative Visions is recognized for its strict adheres to standards of transparency and accountability in its program governance.

Creative Visions has partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa to provide a food pantry. The food pantry’s goal is to provide healthful and nutritious food to area families in need.

CROSS Outreach helps families “stay housed” by assisting with rent, deposits, and utility bills. Assistance is limited to once in a 12 month period. Assistance is not guaranteed but will be determined on an individual basis.

CROSS also assists with an array of basic needs including personal hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, bus tokens or passes, and vouchers for the laundromat. Assistance is limited to once in a three month period.

General Relief provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs. The program serves individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical disability.

Typically the program may only be used once per calendar year. If already used within the year, an individual can obtain a Notice of Decision declination letter from General Relief and a list of community resources which may be able to assist with the individual’s need.

The Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA) provides Public Housing rental units for low-income qualified families and administers the Section 8 rental assistance program for Polk County.  These programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing And Urban Development (HUD).

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) is part of a national network of protection and advocacy systems established in the 1970s by the U.S. Congress to respond to repeated abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in large institutions. They are an independent, non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation funded through contributions, corporate and foundation funding, and grants from the Federal Government. They use federal funding to serve people with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, and other disabilities. DRI advocates for the rights of Iowa citizens with disabilities regardless of the setting they live in.

DRI envisions a world in which individuals with disabilities and mental illness have equal access and opportunity to live, work, and learn in the most integrated settings. Each year, DRI allocates limited funding to designated areas of focus to capture the needs of as many Iowans with disabilities as possible. DRI looks to the community to provide insight into their needs and adjusts their Areas of Focus to reflect that.

This is a Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) food panty. People seeking assistance can visit one of the DMARC food pantries to receive a three-day supply of food once per month. Pantry open hours vary. Please visit dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations for the most up-to-date schedules.

The Drake Legal Clinic allows students the chance to gain practical experience by working with actual clients. The clinic also serves the community by helping those who might not otherwise have access to legal assistance.

Eastside Church of the Nazarene operates a food pantry in conjunction with the Food Bank of Iowa.

In addition to the regular food pantry, they serve as a pantry site for Des Moines Public School (DMPS) through the Food Bank of Iowa. Serving families with students from Philips Elementary School, Willard Elementary School, Hoyt Middle School, Brubaker Elementary School, Stowe Elementary School and Pleasant Hill Elementary School.

Eddie Davis Community Center is located in Valley Junction in West Des Moines. The community center offers services such as a food pantry, meal site, and clothing closet.

Eternity church offers a mobile food pantry that travels to other locations in the Des Moines metro throughout the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Tuesday’s mobile food pantry is located at the corner of 4th street and Euclid Avenue
Wednesday’s mobile food pantry is located at 2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
Friday’s mobile food pantry is located at 314 East Army Post Road

Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families helps families and individuals improve their financial position and connects them with their work and career goals.

The Center is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, United Way of Central Iowa and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). The partnership is providing solutions to three crucial needs identified by local residents: workforce training, employment opportunities and grocery and retail services.​

One of Iowa’s oldest and most trusted non-profit organizations has a new name. HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa is now called EveryStep. EveryStep provides a range of services in 47 counties across the southern half of Iowa.

Our people and programs provide support and education to young moms; assistance to immigrants and refugees; wellness services to communities; in-home care to people who are ill, injured or facing the end of life; and compassionate support to families during times of grief and loss.

The Food Bank of Iowa Mobile Pantry Program is designed to provide a flexible food assistance resource in locations that don’t have access to traditional resources. At each mobile pantry distribution, a Food Bank of Iowa truck delivers a customized load of food—produce, meat, bread and non-perishable items are common—to the prearranged mobile pantry site. Local volunteers set up a distribution system that looks much like a farmers market, distributing food to families and individuals in need throughout the scheduled time.

Food Book of Iowa partners with school districts across the state to provide food pantries in area schools. Information about which schools have Food Bank of Iowa pantries is available on the Food Bank of Iowa website.

The Food Bank of Iowa Mobile Pantry Program is designed to provide a flexible food assistance resource in locations that don’t have access to traditional resources. At each mobile pantry distribution, a Food Bank of Iowa truck delivers a customized load of food—produce, meat, bread and non-perishable items are common—to the prearranged mobile pantry site. Local volunteers set up a distribution system that looks much like a farmers market, distributing food to families and individuals in need throughout the scheduled time.

Food Book of Iowa partners with school districts across the state to provide food pantries in area schools. Information about which schools have Food Bank of Iowa pantries is available on the Food Bank of Iowa website.

The Friendship Center has been in existence since 1982 and has been a fixture in the MLK neighborhood of Des Moines, for more than 20 years. The Friendship Center begun through the ministry of the Baptist Convention of Iowa, the center now exists as a nonprofit organization. The Friendship Center offer several services that meet family and individuals’ physical needs in the community.

The Friendship Center offers a food pantry & clothing closet during their monthly Family Game Nights.  Anyone is welcome to participate. The Friendship Center also offers a supplemental Food program to neighbors in the immediate area.  Baby supplies and personal care items may be available as well. English as a Second Language classes are offered with childcare.

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; they are self-supporting through our own contributions. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Their primary purpose is to stop gambling and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.

Granger Public Library offers a community refrigerator inside the library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The Helping Hand of Warren County offers a food pantry, as well as a clothing closet with furniture and household items. Warren County residents can access the pantry once a month. Emergency food is available on open pantry days as well.

The Helping Hand of Warren County also helps stock community refrigerators in Warren County.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.

Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator at the Indianola Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

• More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
• Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
• Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

• More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
• Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
• Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

• More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
• Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
• Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

The Iowa Departments of Public Health (IDPH) and Human Services (DHS) are becoming one, single, department. IDPH and DHS will fully transition into the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by July 1, 2023. The legislature has directed the transition accomplish the following:

• More efficiently and effectively manage health and human services programs that are the responsibility of the state.
• Establish a health and human services policy for the state.
• Promote health and the quality of life in the health and human services field.

The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the goal to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. By engaging worksites, communities, schools, retail food, organizations, institutions and individuals, we can inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness, and ultimately achieve our goal.

Iowa Housing Search is a free online database for locating rental housing in the state of Iowa. Property providers can list apartments or homes for rent at any time, which means the list is constantly updated.

Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit organization providing critical legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans who have nowhere else to turn. Along with volunteer lawyers throughout the state, Iowa Legal Aid helps the legal system work for those who cannot afford help with legal issues.

Iowa Mortgage Help (IMH) provides a state-wide referral hotline, foreclosure intervention and negotiation and mediation services with loan servicers and lenders. Additionally, IMH is able to provide free legal services to Iowans who participate in our process, through a partnership with Iowa Legal Aid. Hotline operators at Iowa Mortgage Help will gather basic data and will refer callers’ cases to one of the local counseling agencies that are part of IMH. The certified counselors will then gather more in-depth financial information and will determine the appropriate level of counseling.

Iowa Mortgage Help is supported by Iowa Legal Aid, Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and Iowa Finance Authority.

NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension & Outreach offers some statewide hotlines for Iowa residents.

Knock and Drop Iowa is a non-profit organization designed to bridge the gap between the underserved and disadvantaged in our community with the resources available. One of their main goals is to stop hunger by gathering food and providing them to those in need. Knock and Drop Iowa is funded by community support and donations. Knock and Drop Iowa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization citizen group providing leadership and ongoing support for comprehensive community-based action to improve the quality of life in Des Moines and it’s surroundings. Knock and Drop provides a food pantry with culturally specific foods for the Latino community. Volunteers of the pantry speak Spanish.

Helping Hands Warren County provides community refrigerators throughout Warren County. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Legal Aid Society of Story County is a non-profit corporation, formed in 1974 to provide legal assistance in civil matters to families who cannot afford to hire an attorney in private practice.

The Iowa Department on Aging’s Legal Assistance Program serves individuals aged 60 and older by providing legal advice and representation; information and education; and referrals in civil legal matters throughout the state. The program’s role is to identify legal problems and legal service needs of older Iowans and adults with disabilities, with priority given to those who are most vulnerable due to social and/or economic circumstances.

To meet this goal, the Department works with the six Area Agencies on Aging to contract with legal service providers across the state and increase the quantity and quality of legal assistance available to older Iowans and adults with disabilities. Common legal problems concern housing, consumer fraud, debt collection, elder abuse/exploitation, Social Security/SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, discrimination, guardianships/conservatorships, advanced directives, and wills/estates.

The Iowa Legal Assistance Program also provides individual and group technical assistance to legal service projects conducted by the Area Agencies on Aging, legal assistance providers, and others. It also provides community outreach to help older Iowans and adults with disabilities understand their rights, exercise choice, and benefit from services and opportunities.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Little Free Pantries are community based food boxes that can be accessed by anyone to donate food, or find food. They are often located in the yards of individuals and businesses. The food in the box changes throughout the day and is based on the donations of members of the community. The Little Free Pantry website hosts a mapping feature to locate Little Free Pantries in the community.

Madison County General Assistance provides assistance to Madison County residents who meet county eligibility guidelines. General Assistance follows the guidelines set forth in the county ordinance established by the Madison County Board of Supervisors. General Assistance provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs. The program serves individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical disability.

Typically the program may only be used once per calendar year. If already used within the year, an individual can obtain a Notice of Decision declination letter from General Assistance and a list of community resources which may be able to assist with the individual’s need.

Helping Hands Warren County provides community refrigerators throughout Warren County. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

New Point Church operates a food pantry for the community.

Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator located at the New Virginia Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The North Des Moines Community refrigerator is located at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.  Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The Des Moines branch of OBI Creative, a midwestern marketing and digital services agency.

Johnston Partnership serves families and individuals in Johnston who are at-risk due to financial insecurity.  They do this by creating programs to address specific needs in community. The Partnership also serves as a catalyst for uniting local organizations and individuals to provide services that are not currently available through other resources.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The Polk County Department of Community, Family & Youth Services manages and provides a variety of direct and purchased services for families and individuals in all age groups.

Quitline Iowa is a free telephone service for Iowa residents trying to become tobacco free. Members receive special tools, research-based information, and a community of other individuals trying to become tobacco free. Services are individualized to meet specific needs of each person.

The quitline provides three different quit programs, designed to meet your style of communication, and the support you’re seeking as you quit tobacco. All quit programs will help you deal with the emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects that make quitting so hard.

• Phone + Online
  Coaching over the phone, plus email, text, chat, web-based materials, and quit progress tracking through our website.
• Phone Only
  Coaching over the phone, plus materials, quit planning, and quit progress tracking.
• Online Only
  Materials, quit planning, and quit progress tracking through our website.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

St. Theresa Catholic Church operates a supplemental/emergency food pantry out of their church office. They offer a variety of fresh, frozen, canned, and packaged food, along with personal care products. Eligible households can access the pantry once per month. St. Theresa Food Pantry is a Food Bank of Iowa member agency.

St. Vincent de Paul offers social services at their thrift store. Clothing is available to anyone who needs clothes for themselves or their family. The program is available daily and an appointment is required.

A food pantry is operated through a partnership with Hunger Free Polk County and the Board of Supervisors. Appointments can be scheduled for the current day in the thrift store, or for the following day over the phone.

Furniture is made available at a significant discount on a case by case basis, depending on availability and need.

The Office of Ombudsman serves as an independent and impartial agency to which citizens can air their grievances about government. By facilitating communications between citizens and government and making recommendations to improve administrative practices and procedures, the Ombudsman promotes responsiveness and quality in government. The Ombudsman has authority to investigate complaints about Iowa state and local government, with certain exceptions. The Ombudsman attempts to resolve most problems informally. Following an investigation, the Ombudsman may make findings and recommendations and publish a report.

Community refrigerators are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

The Sweet Tooth Farm Community Refrigerator is located at parking lot of HOME Inc.

The Well Covenant Church operates a food pantry.

Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator at Truro Public Library. Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.

Since 1985, Urban Dreams has been providing Des Moines’ inner city with a wide range of human service programs in a comfortable and non-threatening environment. Just as the problems that plague the inner city continue to evolve, Urban Dreams continues to change to meet them. Urban Dreams offers programs that are in tune to the unique issues affecting Polk County’s economically depressed areas.

General Assistance provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs. The program serves individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical disability.

Typically the program may only be used once per calendar year.

WCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows low-income families to rent quality housing in Warren County via federal funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the HCV Program, WCHA pays a portion of eligible families’ rent each month directly to the property owner. Families can use their vouchers to rent a house or apartment in Warren County throughout the cities of Indianola, New Virginia, Milo, St. Marys, Cumming, Hartford, Lacona, Martensdale, Ackworth, Spring Hill & Sandyville. Because there are more families who need rental assistance than there are funds available, WCHA uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.

Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) offers food and medical assistance to those struggling to make ends meet. Supported by area churches, businesses and community organizations, WACS includes a food pantry, free medical clinic, clothing closet, community garden, and seasonal programs.

West Des Moines Human Services has been assisting low-income, older seniors and disabled residents since 1979. They currently provide assistance to more than 1,600 households in West Des Moines and surrounding western suburbs.

Community refrigerators are open to anyone to take what they need to feed themselves and their family. Members of the local community stock the refrigerators and shelves with perishable and nonperishable items. The availability of items at the refrigerators change daily and throughout the day.