The Family Help Guide is designed to help you locate community resources and support services across Iowa. The amount of information and resources available in our community can be overwhelming to access, we can help you navigate the search. This directory includes resources and information about the people and programs available in your area to support and empower you. |
Note: Distances are approximate.
The program provides training in skills such as socialization, communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, peer relationships and more. Life Club clients make friends, get out to see different community attractions and choose and lead activities they enjoy. Team members focus on strengths and independence as clients participate in activities
Training in socialization, creative thinking, peer relationships, problem solving and more.
Eligibility:
Adults who have been diagnosed with an intellectual or developmental disability
Intake Process:
Apply online and email to rbell@eastersealsia.org
Website: Visit Website
Project SEARCH is an internship program that places young adults with special needs in a real working environment, giving them skills to prepare for the workforce. The goal of the program is community-based employment for clients. Internships take place at Mercy Medical Center.
Community-based employment for clients
Eligibility:
This program is only available to Des Moines Public School students
Intake Process:
Call 515-309-1783
Website: Visit Website
The Easter seals Iowa Respite program provides temporary care for children and adults with disabilities, allowing parents/caregivers a break while providing the clients with a safe and supported social environment.
Temporary care for children and adults with disabilities
Intake Process:
Online application
Website: Visit Website
Easter Seals Iowa offers agricultural work site and home modification consultations, peer support, services for the family, information and referrals, and medical equipment loan services. Team members are knowledgeable about resources throughout the state that can address the unique needs of rural family members with disabilities, and actively pursue services that will enhance their lives
Agricultural work site and home modification consultations, peer support, services for the entire family, education, information and referrals, and equipment loan services
Eligibility:
Any farm family member with a disability or an individual living in a town with a population less than 250,000
Intake Process:
Call 515-309-1783
Website: Visit Website
Supported Community Living (SCL) provides people with disabilities the opportunity to live as independently as possible in the community. Service includes support with safety, housekeeping, finances, communication, employment, socialization, transportation and wellness.
Hourly supported community living and 24-hour supported community living
Intake Process:
Online application
Website: Visit Website
Supported Education is a unique program designed to give participants support and guidance as they develop marketable skills through post-secondary education. Participants are provided with ongoing support throughout the semester with registering for classes, accessing campus resources and communicating with faculty.
Post secondary education support
Intake Process:
Apply online
Website: Visit Website
Supported Employment assists clients in both obtaining and maintaining community-based employment. A job developer supports clients in determining employment opportunities they are interested in and in finding a job. Job developers also support clients to fill out applications, prepare resumes and perfect interview skills. Once a job is obtained, a job coach assists clients to learn job responsibilities, the culture and values of the work environment, job accommodations and explaining how employment affects their benefits.
Support in finding and maintaining employment
Intake Process:
Complete the program application and email it to Intake Coordinator Renee Bell at rbell@eastersealsia.org or call 515-309-1783
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday & Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday & Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Every other Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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.
- Food box with 3-4 days supply of food
- Personal items vary
Intake Process:
The pantry operates on an appointment basis from 9: 00 am until 10:30am on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. To make an appointment, please call the church office (515-265-6000) at 9:00 am on Tuesday or Thursday and schedule a pickup time.
DMPS school pantry operates on Thursdays from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
Bring a photo ID and a proof of residence (your recent utility bill or other business mail with your name and address) to the appointment. Identification of the members of your household should also be provided.
Hours:
By appointment only for Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Website: Visit Website
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.
- Food Pantry
- Clothing Closet
- Community Meals
- Computer Lab
- Legal Referral Clinic
- Library
- Health & Fitness
Eligibility:
Serves individuals and families in Polk, Dallas, Warren, and Madison counties.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday & Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Ellipsis community programs are focused on strengthening family life, reestablishing the self-worth of the individual and teaching basic skills for living in the community, all while maximizing opportunities to keep families together. We tailor our program delivery for each child or young adult, employing a variety of techniques and strategies depending on individual needs and situations. Our prevention and diversion programs and our behavioral health support and after care programs are designed to ensure kids can stay in their homes while receiving services ranging from personal and family-based therapy to crisis stabilization, and can take place in the home, remotely or in other community settings.
therapy services, behavioral health intervention services (BHIS), and Pediatric integrated health home (IHH)
Intake Process:
Use the website to submit an inquiry
Website: Visit Website
When circumstances dictate that a child can no longer stay in their own home, the Residential Care programs at Ellipsis provide opportunities for healing and growth within an appropriate and enriching environment. Each provides a focused, sustained and committed effort to meeting needs as determined by each youth’s individual care plan, with the goal of establishing the skills and mindsets needed to return to their homes, or to transition to supervised living situations.
Foster group care services (QRTP) and neurodevelopmental and comorbid conditions (NACC)
Community food pantry open to all every 4th Thursday of the month.
Food pantry
Eligibility:
Will need to bring your ID and reusable bags
Hours:
Every 4th Thursday of the month, 4-6 P.M.
The Early Childhood Parent Navigator program provides refugee parents with early childhood development education and support in their native language. The program also works to increase opportunities for family engagement with schools and service providers, increase enrollment and support of refugee children in preschool and kindergarten, and help teachers and school staff better understand refugee parents.
Interpretation services, wrap-around services and support, monthly community learning circles, navigator training, cultural presentations, educational videos, preschool and kindergarten enrollment, and parent education workshops
Intake Process:
Link on the website to sign up or refer a family
Website: Visit Website
We exist to empower people of all gender and sexual identities in all life stages through the provision of quality reproductive health care that includes abortion services, gynecology services, safer sex promotion, and active education. We promote respectful, client-centered and participatory health care through informed decision making, client rights, advocacy and expansion, and support of pregnancy choices.
We offer non-judgmental, quality health care services. Our goals are inspired by our belief in the larger ideals of feminist philosophy: political, economic, and social equality.
- Family Planning Services
- Sexual Health and STI Testing
- Blood Pressure Checks
Eligibility:
Available to anyone.
Hours:
Clinic hours (by appointment):
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some Saturdays (call first)
Walk-in hours (only some services available as walk-in):
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Some Saturdays (call first)
Mailing Address:
227 N. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
6th floor of the Insurance Exchange Building in downtown Des Moines
- Employee Assistance Program
- Counseling Services
- Substance Abuse Services
- Workplace Wellness
- Psychological Testing
- Prevention Services
Intake Process:
For counseling, call the intake specialist at 515-471-2357.
For Substance Abuse Services contact 515-243-4200.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Payment:
Costs of services vary. Contact EFR to determine which insurance providers are accepted. Sliding fee scale available for self-pay.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
- Employee Assistance Program
- Counseling Services
- Substance Abuse Services
- Workplace Wellness
- Psychological Testing
- Prevention Services
Intake Process:
For counseling, call the intake specialist at 515-471-2357.
For Substance Abuse Services contact 515-243-4200.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Payment:
Costs of services vary. Contact EFR to determine which insurance providers are accepted. Sliding fee scale available for self-pay.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
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
- Mobile Food Pantry
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Hours:
Mobile food pantry operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the locations listed above.
Website: Visit Website
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.
- Job Development
- One-on-one career coaching
- Career fairs
- Mock interviews
- Resume assistance
- Men on the Move (clothing closet)
- Polk County Financial Empowerment Center
- Digital Skills Course
- Parenting Classes
EveryStep Care and Support Services
Programs: 1st Five, Healthy Start and Empowerment, Maternal Child Health Outreach, Nine2Thrive, Children at Home, Family Planning Services (Title X), Maternal Health (Title V), Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), Iowa Family Support Network
3000 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Phone 515-288-1516 | Fax 515-288-0437
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.
Interpreters Available:
- Spanish
- Phone interpretation available
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:00
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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.
- Mobile food pantries
- School food pantries
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Intake Process:
Visit the Food Bank of Iowa’s webpage to determine upcoming mobile pantry distributions, or to locate local school pantries.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1517
Des Moines, IA 50305
Website: Visit 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.
- Mobile food pantries
- School food pantries
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Intake Process:
Visit the Food Bank of Iowa’s webpage to determine upcoming mobile pantry distributions, or to locate local school pantries.
Website: Visit Website
Collaborates and combine resources and programs to best serve children and families across Iowa.
Affordable housing, foster care and adoption, prevention services, community-based services, and treatment services.
Mailing Address:
5400 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Website: Visit Website
Combine and collaborate with programs and resources to best serve children and families across Iowa.
Integrated health homes, functional family therapy, foster care and adoption, foster group care, psychiatric medical institute for children, TotalChild.
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Mailing Address:
80 N Eisenhower Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Intake Process:
Office not staffed full-time. Call 800-657-5856 for an appointment.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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.
- Food pantry
- Clothing closet
- Family game night
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
Intake Process:
ESL classes offered Mondays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm.
Food pantry and clothing closet are available during Friendship Center’s Family Game Nights. Upcoming Family Game Nights are posted on the Friendship Center’s website.
Hours:
Family Game Nights are currently held on the last Saturday of the month from 4:00 – 6:30 pm. Check website to confirm schedule.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Connects Iowans to the education and training needed to improve careers and skill sets.
Provides training and educational programs to help acquire skills that can add value to their career path.
Intake Process:
Online request help form
Mailing Address:
1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
Website: Visit Website
Provides free programs that are educational and therapeutic in nature to individuals with Down Syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families, and the community.
All ages of programs for education, arts, and play-based.
Intake Process:
Online account
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Mailing Address:
6507 University Avenue
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Website: Visit Website
Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in third and eighth grade. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons, and running games.
Physical activity, life skills, and lessons
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 5:00 am-8:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am-6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Website: Visit Website
Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in third and eighth grade. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons, and running games.
Physical activity, life skills, and lessons
Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday 5:00 am-8:00 pm
Saturday 6:00 am-6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Website: Visit Website
Empowering cis-girls & women, non-binary, and trans youth & adults through self-expression, creative agency, and mentoring in music & arts-based education, collaboration, performance, and production.
Camps, after-school programs, lessons
Intake Process:
Online form
Mailing Address:
6301 University Ave Suite 200
Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Website: Visit Website
Provides free healthcare for everyone
Physical exams, acute illness and injury care, medication assistance, chronic disease management, and diabetes testing
Intake Process:
Walk-ins
Hours:
Tuesday 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mailing Address:
3700 Cottage Grove
Des Moines, IA 50311
Website: Visit Website
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.
- Perishable food items
- Non-perishable food items
Eligibility:
There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.
Intake Process:
There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.
Hours:
Can be accessed during library hours.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Hours:
3rd Monday of the month 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Database of housing resources throughout the state of Iowa intended for Iowans seeking to maintain or acquire safe and affordable housing.
Database of housing resources throughout Iowa
Intake Process:
Online
Website: Visit Website
1:1 homebuying counseling and group education classes focused on financial literacy, home affordability, budgeting, and understanding/using credit.
Counseling and group classes
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Website: Visit Website
Rock the Block brings together local organizations, volunteers, and Habitat for Humanity to help central Iowa homeowners with critical repairs, weatherization, and accessibility to stay in their homes safely affordably.
Homeowner repairs
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8am-4pm
Website: Visit Website
Sells new and used home improvement materials at a discounted price
Sells new and used home improvement materials
Hours:
Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Mailing Address:
2200 E. Euclid Ave
Des Moines, IA 50317
Website: Visit Website
Sells new and used home improvement materials at a discounted price
Sells new and used home improvement materials
Hours:
Monday – Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Website: Visit Website
Provides public transportation to Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Story, and Warren counties.
Provides public transportation
Intake Process:
Call or email to schedule a trip
Hours:
Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, and Warren: Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Story: Monday-Friday 6:30am-5:00pm
Ames: Monday-Friday 6:30am-8:00pm
Mailing Address:
2824 104th Street
Urbandale, IA
Website: Visit Website
“Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) works in partnership with public and accredited non-public schools to provide educational services, programs and resources for improving the learning outcomes and well-being of all children and youth in central Iowa. Heartland AEA staff members serve children from birth to age 21, families, educators and communities.”
- Early Access
- Early Childhood Services
- Hearing Screen Services
- Special Education
- Digital Resources
- Educator and Administrator Resources
Eligibility:
Heartland AEA staff members serve children from birth to age 21, families, educators and communities
Intake Process:
Dependent on service
Hours:
M-F 8am-4:30pm
Mailing Address:
6500 Corporate Drive
Johnston, IA 50131
Payment:
No fees to families.
Website: Visit Website
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.
- Food pantry
- Clothing closet
- Furniture
- Household items
Eligibility:
Residents of Warren County.
Intake Process:
Identification showing residence in Warren County. If an ID can’t be provided a limited amount of food will still be given.
Hours:
Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:30 pm
Wednesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursdays & Saturdays 9:00 – 11:00 am
Payment:
No cost to participants
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Connects Iowa businesses with qualified veterans and their spouses looking for career opportunities.
Connects veterans to jobs and education
Intake Process:
Online form
Website: Visit Website
Provides quality, affordable housing and offer homeownership options for low to moderate income households
Provides counseling and services for those buying a home or needing help staying in their home.
Intake Process:
Online
Website: Visit Website
Serves three free meals to community members every day.
Free meals
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: Breakfast 7:00 am, Lunch 12:00 pm, Diner 5:00 pm
Sunday: Breakfast 8:00 am, Lunch 1:30 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm
Website: Visit Website
Provides shelter, food, clothing and case management support for men.
Provides shelter services
Intake Process:
Call 515-244-5445
Website: Visit Website
Provides 30-day short-term shelter and long-term life recovery for single women and moms with kids.
Meals, clothing, hygiene products, and laundry access. Provides opportunities to participate in life skills and recovery classes. Each individual is assigned to a case manager.
Intake Process:
Call 515-264-0144
Website: Visit Website
IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.
- Food Pantry & Anything Shelves
- Utility Assistance
- Personal Hygiene Pantry
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
- Nature Pass
- RAYS
- Thrive
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Drake Neighborhood
Programs: DMARC Food Pantry, IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Utility Assistance, IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Personal Pantry, Iowa Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, Greater Des Moines Recreational Activity Scholarship Program (GRASP), Nature Pass, RAYS, Project H20
IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.
- Food Pantry & Anytime Shelves
- Utility Assistance
- Personal Hygiene Pantry
- Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
- GRASP
- Nature Pass
- RAYS
- Project H20
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.
- Utility Assistance
- Short-Term Homelessness Prevention Program
- RAYS
- Knoxville Recreation Pass
- Food Cards (limited availability)
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Intake Process:
Located in Knoxville Library
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Hours:
Mondays & Wednesdays 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Warren County Resource Center
Programs: Iowa Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Utility Assistance, IMPACT Community Action Partnership – Personal Pantry, RAYS, IMPACT – Homelessness Prevention Program (Short-Term), Norwalk NICE Water Assistance, Indianola Key Cards, IMPACT – Homelessness Prevention Program (Long-Term)
IMPACT Community Action Partnership is one of Iowa’s 16 Community Action Agencies. IMPACT serves residents of Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk, and Warren Counties.
- Utility Assistance
- Personal Hygiene Pantry
- Food Cards
- Norwalk NICE Water Assistance
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
- RAYS
- Indianola Key Cards
- Long-Term Homelessness Prevention Program
- Short-Term Homelessness Prevention Program
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Hours:
Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am – 4:30 pm *closed 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
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.
- Perishable food items
- Non-perishable food items
Eligibility:
There are no restrictions on who can access the food or how often food can be accessed.
Intake Process:
There is no intake process. People can take what they need from the refrigerator without signing up or providing their information.
Hours:
Can be accessed during library hours.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Hours:
1st & 3rd Monday of the month 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Provides interpretation and translation services in 270 languages
Offers in person, phone, video, or document translation services
Intake Process:
Online form
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00 pm
Mailing Address:
699 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: Visit Website
Invest DSM empowers residents and business owners in targeted Des Moines neighborhoods to improve their properties, strengthen their social connections, and create a community that works for them.
- Home Renovations
- Financial Assistance
Mailing Address:
525 SW 5th Street Suite F
Des Moines, IA 50309
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Iowa Baptist Mission offers a variety of appliances starting at $50.
- Reduced Price Appliances
Eligibility:
No eligibility criteria. Available to the public.
Intake Process:
No intake process. Walk-in or call 515-279-2250 with questions.
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Mailing Address:
6631 Bloomfield Rd
Des Moines, IA 50320
Website: Visit Website
Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.
- Information and referral for the following service types:
- Assistive Technology Services
- Educational Supports
- Employment Services
- Facility-based Services
- Financial Assistance
- Individual Supports
- Information/Helplines
- In-home Services
- Living Settings
- Networking
- Recreation
- Transportation
Eligibility:
Open to anyone.
Intake Process:
You may get in touch with Iowa Compass by phone (800) 799-2001, e-mail, text, chat, in-person, or by mail. If you reach the answering machine, please leave a message.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
ICOACH strives to empower the Congolese community of Central Iowa by creating economic opportunities and delivering community-driven assistance.
ICOACH serves refugee communities to address challenges faced by newly arrived refugees in Polk, Dallas, Marshall, and Black Hawk counties in five areas: Healing, Education, Economic Opportunity Upskilling, Advocacy, and Development.
Under each category, specific programs and strategies are developed. ICOACH is working hard to address the many needs of refugees to enhance learning while addressing the financial and accessibility needs of our participants. In addition to providing services, we partner with other organizations and businesses to raise awareness, execute plans, and more.
- After School Programs
- Early Childhood Education
- Employment Services
- Driving Practice
- Summer Programs
- Transportation
Eligibility:
Services for refugees and immigrants in the following counties: Polk, Dallas, Marshall, and Black Hawk.
Mailing Address:
4300 Beaver Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
Website: Visit Website
When problems become too big to handle, you can chat with a trained volunteer. Iowa Crisis Chat is free, confidential and secure. Provides non-judgmental support for individuals facing emotional crisis via online chat.
- Crisis phone line
- Crisis online chat
Intake Process:
Select “CHAT NOW” on program website: www.iowacrisischat.org/. Online Chat routs to 988 Lifeline Center nearest the zip code provided.
Hours:
Available 24/7
Mailing Address:
1121 S Gilbert Ct
Iowa City, IA 52240
Website: Visit Website
524 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Phone 515-281-1333 | Fax 515-281-1263
The Iowa Department for the Blind helps educate, train and empower blind and low vision individuals to pursue lifelong goals.
- Library Services – braille, large print, and talking books
- Employment Services
- Residential Training Programs
- Independent Living Program
- Vocational Rehabilitation Program
- Technology Services
- Public Education
Eligibility:
Services for individuals with vision impairments.
Intake Process:
Complete referral form here: IDB Submit a Referral
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8AM – 4:30PM
Mailing Address:
524 Fourth Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: Visit Website
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services – Dallas County
Programs: Family Investment Program (FIP), Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki), Medicaid – Title XIX Medical Assistance, State Supplementary Assistance (SSA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Care Assistance (CCA)
25747 N Avenue, Adel, IA 50003, USA
Phone 515-993-5817 | Fax 515-993-5817
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.
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services – Madison County
Programs: Child Care Assistance (CCA), Family Investment Program (FIP), Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki), Medicaid – Title XIX Medical Assistance, State Supplementary Assistance (SSA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
209 East Madison Street, Winterset, IA 50273, USA
Phone 515-993-5817 (Dallas County IDHHS) | Fax 515-993-5829
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.
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services – Polk County
Programs: Child Care Assistance (CCA), Family Investment Program (FIP), Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki), Medicaid – Title XIX Medical Assistance, State Supplementary Assistance (SSA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services
2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
Phone 515-725-2600 | Fax 515-564-4148
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.
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services – Warren County
Programs: Child Care Assistance (CCA), Family Investment Program (FIP), Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki), Medicaid – Title XIX Medical Assistance, State Supplementary Assistance (SSA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
1005 South Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125, USA
Phone 515-961-5353 | Fax 515-564-4097
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.
Interpreters Available:
Phone interpretation available
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Iowa HHS provides high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families, and communities in Iowa.
- Food Assistance
- Child Protective Services
- Specialty Care Facilities
- Mental Health Services
- Adult Protective Services
- Child Care
- Medicaid
- Disability Services
- Aging Services
- Public Health Services
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Mailing Address:
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Website: Visit Website
Connect Iowans to affordable financial resources.
- First Home Program
- Home for Iowans
- Home and Community-Based Services Rent
- Military Homeownership Assistance
Eligibility:
Dependent on program and service.
Intake Process:
Contact IFA Participating Lender, Verification of Eligiblity, Closing Processing, Finding a Lending
Interpreters Available:
Call to confirm prior to intake and services.
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Mailing Address:
1963 Bell Avenue, Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315
Payment:
No fees.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Iowa Foster and adoptive parents association is a non-profit organization that empowers, supports and advocates for these families.
- Iowa Foster and adoptive parents association is a non-profit organization that empowers, supports and advocates for these families
Eligibility:
Foster, adoptive and kinship families
Intake Process:
N/A
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Mailing Address:
6900 NE 14th ST, Suite 25
Ankeny, IA 50023
Payment:
No fees.
Website: Visit Website
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.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Website: Visit Website
YSS helps at-risk and homeless youth by providing drop-in services, daily meals, and street outreach.
- Daily meals
- Clothing and hygiene items
- Showers and laundry facilities
- Referrals to mental health therapy, job assistance, supportive housing programs, and more
Eligibility:
Youth experiencing homelessness.
Intake Process:
Dependent on service/program
Hours:
Monday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.
Mailing Address:
612 Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Website: Visit Website