West Des Moines Human Services

Program: DMARC Food Pantry

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. DMARC also operates a mobile food pantry at sites across the Des Moines metro. Pantry open hours vary. Please visit dmarcunited.org/food/pantry-locations for the most up-to-date schedules.

Services:

A 3-to-4-day supply of food

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Provide a photo ID for the head of household and other identification for every member of the family. Some pantries may request a current piece of mail which includes your name and primary address.

The DMARC Food Pantry Network offers a food pantry delivery service in the Greater Des Moines area. If a person is unable to obtain food by either visiting a food pantry location or by using a proxy to pick up food for them, they may call to request a delivery. DMARC asks that only those with health, transportation, or other mitigating circumstances use this service. Call 1-833-DMARC-20 (1-833-362-7220) toll-free to request a delivery between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon, Monday – Friday. Requests for delivery are taken on a first-come first-serve basis. Food will be delivered to the person’s doorstep with a no-contact drop-off the following business day between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: View Website

Program: Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic

This clinic provides basic medical care and management of chronic medical conditions to uninsured or under-insured individuals; all on-site services are provided free of charge. There is no income verification or requirements to utilize the clinic.

The clinic is a member of Free Clinics of Iowa, the largest network of free medical clinics in the State of Iowa and a donor-supported, not-for-profit organization. Free Clinics of Iowa member clinics provide basic healthcare services through volunteer physicians and nurses.

Services:

Free medical clinic

Eligibility:

Open to anyone

Intake Process:

Must check in by 7:30 pm. No income verification or requirements to utilize the clinic.

Hours:

Tuesdays 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Individuals must check in by 7:30 pm.
The clinic is closed on all holidays.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: View Website

Program: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

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: No

Website: View 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: No

Website: View Website

Program: West Des Moines Emergency Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance provides partial payments in a crisis situation towards rent, gas/electric and water utility bills, or fuel along with assistance in working with related organizations/agencies. Budgeting assistance is also available to qualifying service area households.

Services:

Rent/Evictions or Mortgage:
- Financial assistance for a partial payment of monthly rent/mortgage or a deposit
- Assistance in working with landlords
- Referrals to outside agencies for additional funding if needed
- No funding for temporary housing (hotels)
Gas/Electric Utility Crisis/Disconnections:
- Financial assistance for a partial payment of a MidAmerican Energy or other utility bill to avoid disconnection or for reconnection of service
- Assistance in working with MidAmerican Energy or other utility to set up a payment arrangement for arrears
- Referrals to outside agencies for additional funding if needed
Water Crisis/Disconnections:
- Financial assistance for a partial payment of a WDM Water Works bill to avoid disconnection or for reconnection of service
- Assistance in working with WDM Water Works to set up a payment arrangement for arrears
- Referrals to outside agencies for additional funding if needed
Gasoline Gift Card:
- Emergency gift card for fuel
- For necessary transportation
- Must present a valid, current driver’s license and must be income eligible

Eligibility:

Residents of West Des Moines. Income guidelines apply.

Intake Process:

Call West Des Moines Human Services at 515-222-3660, email, or visit during program outreach hours.

Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Wednesday 8:30 am – 12:00 noon

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: No

Website: View Website