New Point Church operates a food pantry for the community.

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.

The Well Covenant Church operates a food pantry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.​

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

6th floor of the Insurance Exchange Building in downtown Des Moines

Everyone needs help sometimes. If you or a loved one are facing a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health or suicidal thoughts, you’re not alone. That is why the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services has created YourLifeIowa.org so Iowans can chat live, text, or call and get reliable information and treatment options, and find nearby help. Your Life Iowa is your everyday life support.

With Care for Yourself, many women are eligible for free or low-cost breast cancer screenings (clinical breast exams and mammograms), and cervical cancer screenings (Pap testing and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing). Care for Yourself program participants receive local patient navigation services. Coordinators help individuals walk through the breast and/or cervical screening process.