Services:
- LIHEAP
- Crisis/Energy Assistance
- Weatherization
- WIC
- Nest Program
- Parents as Teachers
- Disaster Case Management
- Affordable Housing
Eligibility:
Dependent on program, contact for further information.
Intake Process:
Complete contact form: Contact Us :: Operation Threshold or reach by phone for more information on programs.
Interpreters Available:
English, Phone interpretation Available
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4120
Waterloo, IA 50704
Payment:
No cost to participants.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. LIHEAP provides a one-time payment to the heating utility department.
This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households. Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible. Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits
Services:
- Utility payment assistance
Eligibility:
A household may qualify for assistance if the household’s income falls under 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Intake Process:
Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis at a local community action agency from November 1 through April 30 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled member). Complete the application and return it to the local community action agency. Applications may be available to be completed online through the local community action agency. Applicants must provide proof of income, Social Security numbers for each household member, and the household’s most recent heating or electric bill.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Program: Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. The program also fixes certain health and safety problems in the client’s homes, maintains affordable housing for low-income persons, reduces utility cost, and reduces environmental pollution.
Services:
- Insulation in attics, walls, and foundations
- Furnace or venting repairs, and replacements
- Thermostat repairs
- Refrigerator or freezer replacement
- Water heater or venting repairs, and replacements
- Energy efficient lighting
- Other eligible repairs
Eligibility:
Households with an income at or below 200% Federal Poverty Level. If the household is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Family Investment Program (FIP) Assistance, the household is eligible to receive Weatherization services, regardless of income.
Intake Process:
Applications are accepted year round at local community action agencies. Applications for LIHEAP are automatically sent to the Weatherization program. Applications are prioritized based on need. Not every application for LIHEAP will receive services from the Weatherization program.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Program: General Assistance
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.
Services:
Services provided by General Assistance vary by county.
Services for Basic Needs
- Food
- Rent assistance
- Utility payments
- Household and Personal Items
Services for Special Needs
- Funeral Services
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Property Tax Assistance
- Health Supplies
Eligibility:
Must be a resident of Polk county and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply.
If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.286.3670.
Intake Process:
Must present a valid picture ID, social security card, and verification of all household income and expenses in the last 30 days.
Call 515.286.2088 or see website for more information. An application is available on the website.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC is a federally funded public health nutrition program helping families by providing healthy foods, nutrition education, and referrals to other health care agencies.
Services:
- Supplemental food benefits for grocery stores and some farmer’s markets
- Nutrition counseling and education
- Breastfeeding education, promotion, breast pumps, and support
- Immunization screening and referrals
- Health and social service referrals
Eligibility:
WIC serves women, infants, and children that meet income based guidelines.
Intake Process:
Contact the local WIC office and schedule an appointment. Bring proof of address, proof of identity, and proof of income.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website