Resource Directory

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.

Displaying locations 151 - 225 of 257
151

Statewide

Phone 877-428-8844


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.

  • Housing search database
  • Website available in English or Spanish

Eligibility:

Open to anyone searching for housing in Iowa.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Website: Visit Website


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 Legal Aid and volunteer attorneys help the legal system work for those who cannot afford help with legal issues. Typical cases involve problems with basic necessities, fundamental rights or safety, including:

  • Protecting victims of domestic violence
  • Preventing illegal evictions and unsafe housing
  • Securing income support such as SSI, Medicaid and disability benefits
  • Preventing consumer fraud and abusive debt collection practices

Eligibility:

Iowa Legal Aid is able to help a limited number of low-income Iowans each year. Please contact Iowa Legal Aid for specific eligibility requirements.

Intake Process:

  • Apply online at Iowalegalaid.org
    • Applications available in English and Spanish
  • Call the hotline at 800.532.1275
    • Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 11:00 am or 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, except Thursday afternoon
  • If age 60 or over call the Legal Hotline for Older Iowans at 800.992.8161

Hours:

Office hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Phone hours:

Monday – Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Thursday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Friday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Payment:

Sliding Scale

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


This location hosts the UnityPoint Lactation Support Group. The support group is run by internationally board-certified lactation consultants. They can help with feeding positions and baby’s latch, answer pumping questions, and do weighted feeds so you know how much baby is eating.

  • Lactation Support Group

Eligibility:

Breastfeeding families.

Intake Process:

Details online or contact 515-241-6570 for more information.

Hours:

Des Moines group meets Friday’s 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Mailing Address:

1405 Woodland Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Statewide referral hotline

Intake Process:

Call the Iowa Mortgage Help Hotline at 877.622.4866 or complete the form found on the website for a certified counselor to contact you.

During your initial call, the counselor will ask you a series of questions about your current situation. When you call, have the following ready:

  • a list of your major monthly bills
  • most recent pay stubs
  • other documents that indicate income you receive on a regular basis
  • mortgage payment statement and mortgage loan number

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Website: Visit Website


NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. We suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break. Our program is a set of principles written so simply that we can follow them in our daily lives. The most important thing about them is that they work.

  • NA meetings & events
    • Meetings may be held online or in person

Eligibility:

Anyone may join us regardless of age, race, sexual identity, creed, religion, or lack of religion. There are no strings attached to NA. We are not affiliated with any other organizations. We have no initiation fees or dues, no pledges to sign, no promises to make to anyone.

Intake Process:

New to NA?

You don’t have to be clean when you get here, but after your first meeting we suggest that you keep coming back and come clean. You don’t have to wait for an overdose or jail sentence to get help from NA, nor is addiction a hopeless condition from which there is no recovery. It is possible to overcome the desire to use drugs with the help of the Twelve Step program of Narcotics Anonymous and the fellowship of recovering addicts.

Hours:

Hours vary from area to area and depending on the meetings.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Food Pantry
  • Culturally specific foods for the Latino community

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Pre-registration not needed. No identification required. Knock and Drop will collect basic demographic information at the pantry.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Hours:

Wednesdays 3:30 – 6:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • 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


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.

Legal Aid of Story County works with individuals in the areas including, but not limited to:

  • Civil Protective Orders (for Domestic, Sexual or Elder Abuse)
  • Dissolution of Marriage
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Visitation
  • Will
  • Power of Attorney
  • Paternity
  • Guardianship
  • Conservatorship
  • Debtor/Creditor
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Unemployment Benefits Appeal
  • Social Security Appeal

Legal Aid of Story County does not provide legal representation in criminal matters, driving violations, juvenile matters, or cases that could generate a fee for a private attorney.

Eligibility:

Basic eligibility guidelines requirements are:

  • Must be a resident of Story County, Iowa
  • Have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • Have the type of civil case handled by the Legal Aid Society of Story County
  • Must not present a conflict to the office

Please contact Legal Aid of Story County to see if your case is eligible.

Intake Process:

Fill out online intake form on Legal Aid Society of Story County’s website.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Payment:

Sliding Scale, Self-Pay

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website

161

Statewide

Phone 515-992-8161 | Fax 515-244-5525


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.

  • Legal hotline

Eligibility:

Iowans aged 60 and over.

Intake Process:

Call 515-282-8161 or 1-800-992-8161.

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Hours:

Office hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

 

Phone hours:

Monday – Wednesday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Thursday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Friday 9:00 – 11:00 am; 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Payment:

No cost to participant

Website: Visit 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.

  • 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

163

Statewide


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.

  • Non-perishable items

Eligibility:

Anyone can access Little Free Pantries.

Intake Process:

There is no intake process. Food in the Little Free Pantry is free for anyone in need.

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Rental assistance
  • Utility assistance
  • Medical
    • Dental
    • Prescription assistance
  • Transportation (employment purposes only)
  • Funeral assistance (cremation only)

Eligibility:

Residents of Madison County. Must be a legal resident of the county  and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply.

If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.462.4680.

Intake Process:

Must present a valid picture ID, social security card, and verification of all household income and expenses in the last 30 days.

Application with all eligibility requirements available on website.

Interpreters Available:

Phone interpretation available

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


This location hosts the UnityPoint Lactation Support Group. The support group is run by internationally board-certified lactation consultants. They can help with feeding positions and baby’s latch, answer pumping questions, and do weighted feeds so you know how much baby is eating.

  • Lactation Support Group

Eligibility:

Breastfeeding families.

Intake Process:

Details online or contact 515-241-6570 for more information.

Hours:

West Des Moines group meets Wednesday’s 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Mailing Address:

1660 60th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Website: Visit Website


Head Start, WIC, energy assistance (LIHEAP), water assistance (LIHWAP), and crisis assistance among the 30 programs and services provided at MICA

  • Early Head Start
  • Head Start
  • WIC
  • Energy assistance (LIHEAP)
  • Water assistance (LIHWAP)
  • Crisis assistance
  • Healthy Child Care Iowa
  • Weatherization Assistance Program
  • and more…

Eligibility:

Dependent on program/service.

Mailing Address:

1001 South 18th Avenue
Marshalltown, IA 50158

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • 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:

Open during Milo Locker’s normal business hours.

Website: Visit Website


Provides services to Asian and Pacific Islander victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking including males and the LGBTQ communities.

  • Mobile Multilingual Advocates Program
  • Relief (Referrals and Resources)
  • Individual Counseling
  • Community Education and Outreach

Eligibility:

Asian and Pacific Islanders

Intake Process:

Complete intake with counselor for specific services if needed, otherwise intake not required.

Interpreters Available:

Contact Monsoon for information.

Hours:

M-F 9am-5pm Closed on weekends

Mailing Address:

4944 Franklin Ave Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50310

Payment:

No fees.

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Mosaic in Central Iowa empowers with people with intellectual disabilities to create a meaningful life in a caring community, giving a voice to their needs.

  • Group Setting
  • Mental and Behavioral Health
  • Autism Services
  • Mosaic at Home

Eligibility:

Those with intellectual disabilities

Intake Process:

Contact Mosaic to set up tour or find services needed to start process.

Interpreters Available:

Contact Mosaic upon intake.

Hours:

M-F 8am-5pm

Mailing Address:

11141 Aurora Ave, Bldg 3
Urbandale, IA 50322

Website: Visit Website


Provides support, educational materials, advocacy questions and concerns or assistance with general questions.

  • Support Groups, Crisis Assistance
  • Resource Assistance
  • Mental Health Education and Classes
  • Advocacy Supports

Eligibility:

Anyone in need of support.

Intake Process:

  • Contact your local NAMI Iowa Affiliate
  • A help line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255

Interpreters Available:

Contact local affiliate for information.

Hours:

M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Mailing Address:

424 5th Street
Ames, IA 50010

Payment:

No fees.

Website: Visit Website


Provides support, educational materials, advocacy questions and concerns or assistance with general questions.

  • Support Groups
  • Crisis Assistance, Resource Assistance
  • Mental Health Education and Classes
  • Advocacy Supports

Eligibility:

Anyone in need of support.

Intake Process:

  • Contact your local NAMI Iowa Affiliate
  • A help line is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255

Interpreters Available:

Contact local affiliate for information.

Hours:

M-F 8:30am-4:30pm

Mailing Address:

3839 Merle Hay Road #229
Des Moines, IA 50310

Payment:

No fees.

Website: Visit Website


Offers anti-trafficking programs that provide emergency, transitional, or long-term services for victims and survivors of trafficking.

Offers anti-trafficking programs that provide emergency, transitional, or long-term services for victims and survivors of trafficking. Provides a national human trafficking referral directory on website. Option to report a tip or learn the statistics in your state on the website.

Intake Process:

Can call, text, or report online.

Website: Visit Website


Child development program that serves children from birth to age 5, pregnant women and their families. Child-focused programs to increase school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Provides a range of services in education, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, and social services for children and their families.

Intake Process:

Online form

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • 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


NISSA African Family Services seeks to end domestic violence and sexual assault in African Immigrants and Refugee communities. NISAA functions as a resource advocate and support for the African communities in Iowa
affected by domestic violence and sexual assault by providing crisis advocacy,
individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, housing and employment assistance,
and many other direct support services.

Nisaa functions as a resource and support for the African communities in Iowa affected by domestic violence and sexual assault

  •  Providing crisis advocacy,
  • Safety planning,
  • Individual and group counseling,
  • Employers, and educational institutions; criminal justice,
  • Legal advocacy,
  • Court accompaniment,
  • Immigration assistance,
  • VAWA or U-Visa applications,
  • Medical care support and advocacy,
  • Help with housing,
  • Finding employment,
  • Government benefit applications,
  • Help in finding childcare,
  • Assistance with victim’s compensation application, and notification.
  • Follow-ups and support services.

Eligibility:

Any member of the African community

Intake Process:

Call to set up an appointment time.

Interpreters Available:

Arabic, Swahili and French

Hours:

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Mailing Address:

4944 Franklin Avenue
Suite P
Des Moines, IA 50310

Payment:

No cost to participant

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • 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:

The refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Payment:

No cost to participant

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Benevolence Fund
    • Rent assistance
    • Utility assistance
    • Emergency financial needs
  • DMARC Food Pantry
    • Bakery items & some fresh foods available daily (No ID required)
    • Clothing Closet
    • Personal Care pantry
      • hygiene products
      • cleaning supplies
      • diapers & wipes
  • Back to School Health & Resource Clinic

Eligibility:

The Benevolence Fund is open to individuals and families who reside within the Johnston School District boundaries. Funding is limited.

The food pantry and clothing closet are open to Polk County residents.

Intake Process:

To receive services from Johnston Partnership provide:

  • Form of identification for everyone in the family seeking assistance (picture ID, school ID, health insurance card, court document, or any identification issued by any state, US government, or other foreign country)

To apply for the Benevolence Fund, complete and application and interview with Johnston Partnership Place.

Hours:

Tuesday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm & 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Thursday & Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Mailing Address:

PO Box 975
Johnston, IA 50131

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit 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.

  • 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.

Website: Visit Website


  • Family Planning Services

Hours:

Monday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Emergency contraceptive available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours. Most, but not all, services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call for information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm

Emergency contraceptive available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours. Most, but not all, services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call for information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


  • Family Planning Services

Hours:

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Third Saturday of the month 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Emergency contraceptive available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours. Most, but not all, services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call for information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


  • Family Planning Services

Hours:

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 12:00 noon – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday, Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Emergency contraceptive available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours. Most, but not all, services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call for information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


  • Family Planning Services

Hours:

Monday – Wednesday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Emergency contraceptive available on a walk-in basis during normal business hours. Most, but not all, services are available on a walk-in basis. Please call for information.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • River Place Food Pantry
  • Crisis and Advocacy Services
  • General Assistance
  • Family Enrichment Center

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website

204

Statewide

Phone 1-800-784-8669


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.
  • Tobacco cessation resources
  • Coaching
  • Tobacco cessation community

Eligibility:

You must be an Iowa resident to participate in the program. To qualify for nicotine patches, gum or lozenges, you must be 18 years of age or older. It may also be helpful to discuss quitting tobacco with your medical provider.

Intake Process:

Enrollment takes place on the Quitline Iowa website or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

Interpreters Available:

Spanish

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit 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.

  • 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 City Hall hours.

Handicap Accessible: Yes


The purpose of the Regional Genetics Consultation service is to provide genetic health care services and education for patients and families within the state of Iowa through statewide outreach services; in order to promote health, prevent disease, reduce the incidence of congenital disorders and improve outcomes for those with birth defects and genetic disorders.

Eligibility:

Clinic should be contacted to obtain description of exact eligibility requirements. In general, following documentation is needed: medical records from current doctors, records of related imaging studies, and records of laboratory studies.

Intake Process:

Clinic needs to be contacted first. Representative will inform caller of documentation requirements and provide information about service being requested.

Hours:

Not all services at PSC have the same hours of availability. Please call our general scheduling line at: 1-888-573-5437 (888 573 KIDS). Or clinic’s phone number can be called. Appointment is needed. Call should be made beforehand.

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Ruth Harbor is a Christ-centered home for young women who are alone and facing unplanned pregnancies. “Ruth” means compassion; “Harbor” means a place of refuge, safety, retreat, shelter.

Ruth Harbor is a resident home located in Des Moines and Carlisle. It provides young women who are alone and facing unplanned pregnancies a truly viable option — a safe harbor — by providing housing, education, counseling, health care, parenting training or adoption assistance, spiritual support and more for the duration of their pregnancies.

  • Mother-Child program
    • The Mother-Child programming includes a safe home in which to live, and many other supports such as professional counseling, coaching on parenting skills, and additional life skills that build off the relationship development, assistance in education/employment/volunteering, and medical care guidance.
  • Maternity Home
    • Ruth Harbor Maternity Home is a home for young women (up to age 23) facing an unplanned pregnancy.  Ruth Harbor provides a family-style home. Housing, food, and transportation are provided. Mothers are given the support needed to work and save for the future or pursue educational and career opportunities.

Eligibility:

Designed for women up to age 23 with babies up to 12 months of age when entering.

Intake Process:

Interested applicants can complete the application (located on website) or email.

Hours:

Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Mailing Address:

534 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312

Payment:

No cost to participant

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Our Safe and Healthy Housing program is available for low-income families that live in the greater Des Moines Metro area and need repairs to their home to maintain safety for the resident(s).

  • Plumbing
  • Electric
  • Heating
  • Air conditioning
  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Grab bars
  • Safety lighting at night
  • Broken windows
  • Stair railings
  • Any other immediate danger to your well-being

They will not provide any major construction services *

Eligibility:

Eligibility is based on a tier system they use that is looked at your household income and number of people living in the home. There is some flexibility to this if you are close to their eligibility requirements. You must reside in the Polk County/Warren County area to be eligible. You must own your home; they will not work with rentals or contract homes.

Intake Process:

Call to get an application sent to you or come in to the office to pick up an application for the program. It is not available online.

Hours:

Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM. Call to verify a staff member is in office, since all may be out at once for home visits.

Website: Visit Website


Providing a trusted partner to single parents and their families by offering programs and services to help single parent families strengthen and thrive.

  • Breaktime
  • Single parent groups
  • Home provision
  • Workshops
  • Classes
  • Family care
  • Resources

Eligibility:

Single parent families

Intake Process:

By email, phone, or in-person

Hours:

Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Sleep in Heavenly Peace believes beds are a basic need for proper physical, emotional, and mental support for children. Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers make and deliver bunk beds to children and families in need. Community providers can refer families to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, or families can self-refer.

  • Provides handmade bunk beds, mattresses, and bedding to children in need.

Eligibility:

  • Families must live near a Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter. Chapters can be found on the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website.
  • Families must live in a home or apartment with a room large enough to fit one of the beds.
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace must be able to contact the family, or referral source, via phone, text, or email.
  • To qualify as a bed recipient, the adult must be the legal guardian of the child.
  • Child receiving the bed must be between the ages of 3-17.

Intake Process:

Providers or families can complete the online application form on Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s website. The selection committee reviews applications and recipients are selected by the committee. Sleep in Heavenly Peace can’t guarantee every applicant will receive a bed. Beds are made as supplies and donations allow. Applications may be held until more beds are able to be made.

Website: Visit Website


SSI pays monthly benefits to people with limited income and resources who are blind, 65+, or have a qualifying disability.
Not based on prior work.
SSI pays monthly benefits for children under the age of 18 who can be considered “disabled” if have medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including emotional or learning problem)
  • Supplement income, paid on the 1st. Max amount is $783 single, or $1,175 couple, check is reduced depending on income.
  • Medicaid

Eligibility:

Those with limited income and resources who are blind, 65+, or have a qualifying disability (not based on prior employment/work).
Children under the age of 18 who can be considered “disabled” if have medically determinable physical or mental impairment (including emotional or learning problem).

Intake Process:

Application process through Social Security Administration website.   (https://www.ssa.gov/apply/ssi)

Find Local Office by zip code: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/

Interpreters Available:

(https://www.ssa.gov/multilanguage/interpreter.html)

Hours:

Open 9am-4pm Monday-Friday, closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mailing Address:

455 SW 5th Street, Suite F
Des Moines, IA 50309

Payment:

No fees.

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Food Pantry
  • Personal hygiene items

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

Park in the semi-circle drive accessed off Merle Hay Road, in front of the church.  The church office is located north of the church. After you park, head north across the driveway and take the diagonal sidewalk to the church office door. Ring the doorbell to be served.

No documentation is needed to receive food.

 

Hours:

Monday – Wednesday:  10am – 1:45pm
Closed holidays, holy days, and weather-related St. Theresa School or church office closings

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Since being established in Des Moines in 1924, the main focus of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) work is to assist those living in poverty in becoming self-sufficient by helping to remove roadblocks as we walk with them on their journey out of poverty. The Des Moines Council operates two thrift stores, two social services departments, an education center, and a child watch center.

  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Adult Education
  • Food Pantries
  • Iowa DOT Written Test Location

Eligibility:

St. Vincent de Paul’s accepts refrigerators, in good working condition, but not other major appliances. Donations of furniture, clothing, household, and other miscellaneous items, as well as food/bread donations, can be made at any of their three locations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Pick up of donations are done by zip codes on the following days:

  • Monday: 50111, 50325, 50324, 50323, 50322
  • Tuesday: 50312, 50311, 50310, and 50309
  • Wednesday: 50035, 50327, 50317, 50316, 50314, 50313, 50021, 50023, 50131 and 50009
  • Thursday: 50266, 50265 and 50263
  • Friday: 50321, 50320, 50315, 50211, 50125 and 50047 (every other Friday)

No pickups are made on Saturdays or holidays.

Items unable that cannot be accepted: computers, printers, entertainment centers, exercise equipment, medical equipment, televisions that are older than five years old, pianos, organs, water beds, metal desks, car seats, strollers, baby furniture, furniture that is torn, stained or in need of repair, and home improvement item.

Intake Process:

In order to make an appointment please contact Social Services staff. Appointments can be scheduled for the current day in the thrift store, or for the following day over the phone.

Bring social security cards for every member of the household, a photo ID for the head of the household.

1426 6th Avenue: 515-282-8327 Ext. 140

Hours:

Store Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Donation Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Food pantry by appointment only.

Mailing Address:

1426 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Educates, equips, and empowers young people living in disadvantaged and oppressive circumstances by using arts, entertainment, music, and a variety of other methods. This program is designed to serve youth in a supportive, empowering environment.

Tutoring partnerships, motivational speaking, participation in police department diversionary programs. Starts Right Here educates, equips, and empowers young people by using the arts, entertainment, music, and a variety of other engaging methods.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mailing Address:

455 SW 5th Street, Suite A
Des Moines, IA 50309

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Investigate a complaint against an agency, official or employee of Iowa state and local government independently and impartially, and in a confidential manner, to the extent possible as provided by law
  • Work with an agency to attempt to resolve a problem when an investigation shows that the agency has acted contrary to law, unreasonably or unfairly, or has made a mistake
  • Make recommendations to agencies for administrative or policy changes, when appropriate
  • Make recommendations to the Iowa General Assembly for legislation, when appropriate
  • Answer questions relating to government or refer a person to suitable agency or entity for answers

Eligibility:

Open to all individuals.

Intake Process:

Contact by letter, telephone, TTY (teletypewriter), fax, e-mail, or visit the office in person.

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Mailing Address:

1112 East Grand
Des Moines, IA 50319

Payment:

No cost to participant.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website