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 226 - 257 of 257

Helps empower adolescents and young adults that have been affected by cancer. Provides equal access to quality, holistic care no matter age, diagnosis, race/ethnicity, sexuality, or gender.

This program is based out of New York but offers virtual meet ups for support.

Empower the community with comprehensive resources and support. Support adolescents and young adults by addressing the real-life hurdles that can come with cancer and advocate for a change where traditional support systems fall short.

Eligibility:

Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Mailing Address:

40 Worth Street Suite 808
New York, NY 10013

Website: Visit Website


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.

The Sweet Tooth Farm Community Refrigerator is located at parking lot of HOME Inc.

  • 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 community refrigerator is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Telecommunication Access Iowa helps Iowans who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have speech difficulties get specialized telecommunications equipment at little or no cost.

  • Voucher for Specialized Telecommunications Equipment

Eligibility:

You must meet all to qualify for a Voucher:

  • Be an Iowa resident
  • Be at least 5 years of age or able to use the telecommunications equipment
  • Have phone service now or plan on getting it (not needed for the wireless requirements)
  • Confirm that the equipment you are asking for would make telecommunications use easier for you
  • Confirm your income is less than what is listed in the chart below
No. of Persons in Family Gross Annual Family Income
1 person $66,000
2 persons $76,000
3 persons $86,000
4 persons $96,000
4+ persons Add $10,000
for each additional person

Intake Process:

  • Step 1: Complete Application Form listed on website, or call (800) 606-5099 to receive an application in the mail
  • Step 2: Choose Your Equipment
  • Step 3: Acquire Professional Certification to sign the application form verifying that you have a need for specialized telecommunication equipment.
  • Step 4: Submit Application to TAI.

Hours:

Showroom Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday

Mailing Address:

6925 Hickman Road
Des Moines , IA 50322

Website: Visit Website


The Ankeny Klothing Exchange (TAKE) is a non-profit organization that operates a store offering free gently used clothing, shoes, linens, household goods, and more to people in need.

  • Free Clothing Closet & Household Items

Eligibility:

No proof of income or other information is requested. TAKE will ask for your city of residence & the number of people for whom you are shopping, in order to keep annual statistics on use.

Intake Process:

Coming to shop? Here’s what you need to know:

  • Once you sign in, we’ll give you plastic shopping bags which you may fill with clothing or items you need.
  • Outside shopping bags/purses are not allowed.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • The Ankeny Klothing Exchange, Inc. (TAKE) reserves the right to refuse service to any customer who threatens or verbally abuses volunteers or other customers, or who is causing a scene by yelling, swearing, making a mess, or who is clearly intoxicated.

Hours:

Monday – Friday + 2nd Saturday. 9:30am – 11:30 am.

Mailing Address:

105 E 1st Street
Ankeny, IA 50021

Website: Visit Website


The Bridge Home is a non-profit organization devoted to bridging the gap between homelessness and housing by providing shelter, support, and inspiring a pathway forward for individuals and families experiencing or on the verge of homelessness.

  • Emergency Shelter
  • Street Outreach
  • Supportive Housing
  • Short-term rental assistance

Eligibility:

Serves Boone, Greene, Hardin, Marshall, and Story counties.

Intake Process:

Call (515) 232-8075 or complete the following “Get Help” form: Contact The Bridge Home – Help for Homeless in Iowa

Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm.

Mailing Address:

225 S Kellogg Ave
Ames, IA 50010

Website: Visit Website


The Connection Cafe is a free lunch program for homeless and low-income people in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. We serve lunch at noon every Monday-Friday to our honored guests. Hosted by The Bridge.

  • Community Meals – Free Lunch

Eligibility:

Serves low-income and homeless communities.

Hours:

Monday-Friday from 12pm – 1pm.

Mailing Address:

600 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309

Website: Visit Website


The Pet Project is an all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to keeping pets with the people who love them through proactive programming. We provide pet food and supplies to Des Moines area residents who are struggling to meet the needs of their pets. We also support a state-wide network helping to reunite lost and found pets in Iowa.

  • Financial Assistance for Pet Food and Pet Supplies.
  • Lost and Found Pet State-Wide Network.

Eligibility:

Pet Owner Rules

  • You must live in the Greater Des Moines Metro area.
  • You must have owned the pet(s) you listed on the original application for at least six (6) months.
  • Your household must follow the Des Moines limits for number of pets, which is currently a maximum of six (6) pets.
  • If staff finds evidence of abuse or deception such as lying about pets or selling or trading food, you will be immediately and permanently removed from the program.

Pet Requirements

  • Pet age must be eight (8) months or older.
  • Pet must be spayed/neutered by the second month of participation in the Pet Pantry program. You must provide proof of this from your veterinarian.

Intake Process:

For immediate support, please fill out an application in person at the office – 4944 Franklin Ave., Suite N. Des Moines, IA 50310.

Online applications are accepted as well but may experience a delay due to processing – Pet Pantry Application – The Pet Project Midwest.

Hours:

Open Saturday from 9am – 2pm. May be closed on holiday weekends.

Mailing Address:

4944 Franklin Ave Suite N
Des Moines, IA 50310

Website: Visit Website


The Well Covenant Church operates a food pantry.

  • Food Pantry
  • Clothing Closet

Eligibility:

Open to anyone.

Intake Process:

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

Hours:

2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month 10:00 am – 12:00 noon

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


Helping Hands Warren County provides a community refrigerator at Truro 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


USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.

  • Interviews for all non-asylum cases (for example, getting a Green Card).
  • Naturalization ceremonies.
  • Appointments for information and applicant services.

Intake Process:

Call (800) 375-5283 or schedule an appointment online here: myUSCIS – Schedule an Appointment.

Mailing Address:

210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


United Way brings together people from every part of the community to identify gaps and best leverage points to create sustainable impact.

  • 211 Iowa – Referral Service
  • 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices
  • ACEs 360
  • Bridges to Success
  • Building New Careers
  • Central Iowa Works
  • Giving Gardens
  • HOPE for Stable Families
  • Powered by Purpose
  • OpportUNITY
  • READ to Succeed
  • Skills 2 Compete
  • Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
  • Vision to Learn

Hours:

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Mailing Address:

1111 9th Street Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50314

Website: Visit Website


Eyerly Ball offers a full continuum of mental health services and treatment to meet the needs of our community, from family and individual counseling to outpatient care for all ages. Committed to providing solutions that address all areas of health including mental and emotional health.

  • Individual, couple, and group counseling/therapy.
  • Psychiatric assessments.
  • Medication management.
  • Substance abuse treatment.
  • Mental health crisis line.
  • Children and Adolescent services.
  • Integrated Health Home (IHH).

Eligibility:

Varies based on services/program.

Intake Process:

Contact Eyerly Ball staff online: Eyerly Ball Navigator Form or via phone at 515-241-0982.

Hours:

Monday – Friday. 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Mailing Address:

945 19th Street
Des Moines, IA 50314

Website: Visit Website


The behavioral health urgent care location in central Iowa provides services to individuals who are needing mental health services.

  • Crisis services
  • Community resources
  • On-site coordination to Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services

Eligibility:

Both pediatric and adult patients can be seen at Urgent Care. Patients under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian with them.

Intake Process:

Walk-in, reserve spot online, or call (515) 263-2632.

Hours:

Monday through Friday. 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Mailing Address:

1250 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316

Website: Visit Website


UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center, a service of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, is among the top achieving cancer programs in the nation and has been recognized for its quality cancer care. Our high standard of care comes from decades of research, cancer treatment experience and cancer care technological superiority.

  • Cancer treatment
  • Oncology research and clinical trials
  • Lymphedema Center
  • Oncology Navigators
  • Support groups
  • Cancer education classes
  • Survivorship program
  • Genetic Counseling
  • On-site EMPOWER Boutique and Salon

Hours:

Monday – Friday. 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Mailing Address:

1221 Pleasant Street
Des Moines , IA 50309

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The UIHC (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics) Regional Genetics Consultation Services provide comprehensive, family centered, genetic health care to individuals and families throughout Iowa with statewide outreach clinics. The primary purpose of the Regional Genetics Consultation Services is to provide this structure as an integral component of the state’s health-care system. The secondary purpose is to assure the provision of statewide genetics education to promote health and prevent disease.

  • Diagnostic evaluations
  • Confirmatory testing
  • Medical Management
  • Provision of non-directive counseling
  • Education and Consultation
  • Individual and family support
  • Case Management
  • Referral

Intake Process:

Contact Johnston clinic at 515-457-2960 or request an appointment online here: Request an Appointment for your Child | University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Hours:

Monday through Friday. 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Mailing Address:

8605 Chambery Boulevard
Johnston , IA 50131

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Community refrigerator & food shelves
    • Availability of food items, personal hygiene items, and baby supplies changes daily and is often updated on their Facebook page
  • Outpatient substance abuse treatment and OWI treatment
  • Workforce Development
  • Community connectivity events
  • Mental health treatment and services in partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center
  • Information and referral- free internet and phone services available
  • Social mediation and consultation
  • Voter education

Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


The Victim Assistance Section (formerly known  as the Crime Victim Assistance Division) was established in 1989. It provides essential funding and survivor-centered training to support victims of violent crime in Iowa.

The Victim Assistance Section administers programs that directly benefit victims of crime, including those that assist victims with the financial burden resulting from violent crime, that assist local crime victim service programs, and that assist the criminal justice system in holding offenders responsible for the effects of their crimes.  Funds for these programs come primarily from fines and penalties paid for by state and federal criminals.

Offers the crime victim compensation fund which provides essential funding and survivor-centered training to support victims of Iowa crime in Iowa.

  • Financial Assistance
  • Legal Assistance

Eligibility:

Services available to victims of crime, or individuals who assist victims.

Intake Process:

  • Complete a physical or online application.
  • Sign all three releases.
  • For the physical application, submit the physical application and releases to the Crime Victim Compensation Program to the address, fax, or email address listed at the bottom of this page.
  • For the online application, complete the information fields and submit.
  • After reviewing the application, we may request additional information.

Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8AM-5PM.

Mailing Address:

1305 E Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Rental assistance
  • Utility assistance (must have a disconnect notice and made payments)
  • Medical, dental, and prescription assistance

Eligibility:

Serves residents of Warren County. Must be a legal resident of the county and meet income restrictions. Other eligibility requirements may apply. See website for details.

If you are a veteran please contact Veteran Affairs at 515.961.1045

Intake Process:

Appointments recommended. Application and list of requirements located on website.
Please provide the following for everyone in the household:

  • A completed application
  • Income Verification (i.e. pay check stubs for the last 30 days, employers written statement, Social security Administration statements (SSI, SSA, SSDI), Child Support, Foster Care Income, FIP, Veterans Benefits, etc.)
    • If you cannot work, a current doctor’s statement
    • If you have no income in past 30 days, a White Sheet from Iowa Workforce Development
  • 30-days of bank account transactions or other means of showing how money has been spent over the previous 30-days
  • For Rental Assistance: A copy of your lease agreement, completed landlord verification form
  • For Utility Assistance: Copy of utility bill and disconnect notice

 

Hours:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am –  4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet HUD’s income guidelines, which are found on the application. Priority is given to veterans, and current Warren County residents.

Intake Process:

Application available on WCHS website, along with a list of all other required documents. Applications and documents can be returned via drop box, located outside the WCHS office or mailed to the office.

Eligible applicants will be assigned to the waiting list according to the date & time application is received and will be moved to the preference section of the waiting list once preference is approved. Preference will be ranked in the following order:

  • Veteran Preference

  • Warren County Preference

  • All Other Applicants

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 12:00 noon; 1:00 – 4:30 pm

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Appointment Needed: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

 

  • Clothing Closet
  • Food Pantry
  • Anytime Food Room
  • Fruitful Vine Community Garden
  • Health Clinic

Intake Process:

Waukee Area Christian Services is located in the Northwest Entrance of Westview Church.

Hours:

Food Pantry hours: Monday 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 – 11:00 am

Free Medical Clinic hours: Mondays 5:30 – 7:00 pm walk in or by appointment.

Fruitful Vine Garden: Mondays 4:00 – 6:00 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 9:00 – 11:00

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: Visit Website


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.

  • Food & Personal Care Pantry
    • Dog & cat food sometimes available
    • DMARC Pantry & Anytime food
  • Clothing Closet
  • Medical Clinic
  • Energy Assistance & Weatherization
  • Holiday Assistance
  • School Supplies
  • Winter Coats
  • Youth Rec Assistance & Pool Passes
  • Birthday Heroes
  • Homeless Prevention & Assistance
    • Rent/Mortgage
    • Utility Disconnections

Eligibility:

Eligibility varies by program. Residency and income requirements apply. Clothing closet available for income-eligible residents of West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Windsor Heights. DMARC Food pantry & Valley Junction Free Medical Clinic open to anyone regardless of residency boundaries.

Intake Process:

Bring the following information to apply:

  • Proof of address (current piece of date-stamped mail or a lease)
  • Proof of gross income for past 30 days
  • Photo id for head of household
  • Identification for all household members (e.g., photo id, health insurance card, school id, or other valid form of identification)

Individuals may also register online by completing an intake form on the website.

Hours:

Food & Personal Care Pantry Hours: Monday & Thursday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm; Tuesday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm & 4:30 – 6:30 pm; Wednesday & Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 noon; 1st Saturday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 am

Clothing Closet Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 noon; Tuesday 4:30 – 6:00 pm; 1st Saturday of the month 9:00 – 11:30 am

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.