| 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. If you would like a resource added or revised, you may use the contact button at the top of this page or email the information to iafamilysupportnetwork@everystep.org |
Note: Distances are approximate.
2304 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
Phone 877-859-0542 | Fax 515-362-8033
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Second Saturday of the month 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Some services are available on a walk-in basis. Call for more information.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
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
Tama County Public Health and Home Care
Programs: ...
129 West High Street, Toledo, IA, USA 50704
Phone 641-484-4788 | Fax 641-484-5447
his is an educational incentive program. Participates earn points for healthy behaviors and encouragement to receive early and regular prenatal medical care, The points are redeemed for needed baby items for child up to 2 years old.
Hours:
2nd Tuesday of the month 3:30pm to 4:30 PM
Payment:
No cost to participants
405 Jefferson Street, Bedford, IA 50833, USA
Phone 712-523-3405 | Fax 712-523-3402
Taylor County Public Health works to protect, promote, and enhance the health and well-being of the environment and residents of Taylor County through our health services, prevention programs and health education.
Environmental Health:
• Septic system inspection
• Well and geothermal services & inspections
• Well & cistern plugging
• Private water well testing
• Radon test kits
• Tanning and tattoo parlor inspections
• Rental inspections
• Animal bite follow up
Home Health:
• Skilled nursing
• Health Aide/personal care
• Homemaker/light housekeeping
• Speech, physical and occupational therapy
Public Health:
• Breast & cervical cancer screening
• Women’s heart health program
• Bioterrorism preparedness
• Flu clinics
• Blood pressure clinics
• New baby home visits
• Communicable disease follow up
• Immunization clinic
• Car seat safety check up and education
• I-Smile/oral health for children
• Child Care Nurse Consultation
• Lead poisoning prevention education and screening
• Hawk-i outreach and enrollment (insurance for children)
• Care coordination to help families find local helping programs
• Prenatal education throughout pregnancy
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.
- Mail: 6925 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50322
- Email: info@teleiowa.com
- Online: Home Page – IUB EVS
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)
Programs: ...
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
Provides free food, clothing, personal care products, and household/baby items to support those in need in Warren County.
- Food Pantry
- Clothing pantry
- Community Food Pantries are available throughout Warren County in different locations.
Eligibility:
Resident of Warren County
Intake Process:
Bring an ID or a sheet of paper with a current address. If no ID is given, a limited amount of food is still available.
Hours:
Tuesday: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Wednesday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Saturday: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Website: Visit Website
The Pet Project
Programs: ...
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
Healthy Child Care Iowa supports registered nurse child care health consultants (CCHC) throughout Iowa. The child care nurse consultants provide on-site consultations, technical assistance, and training to child care providers.
There is a toll-free talk line available to child care providers and families for health related questions and to be connected to a child care nurse consultant. The Healthy Families hotline number is 1-800-369-2229.
- Technical assistance through phone, e-mail or on-site visits for health and safety issues.
- Consult and train on health and safety standards and best practices.
- Help with health and safety policies.
- Support health record keeping, from medication to immunization records.
- Help increase physical activity and healthy eating for children in the child care setting.
- Connect child care providers to community resources for children and families.
- Perform a health and safety assessment for providers involved in Iowa’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
- Care planning for children with special health needs.
Eligibility:
Services available to all Iowa child care providers and families. For those in Henry, Louisa, Muscatine, Washington counties.
Hours:
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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
United Community Health Center
Programs: ...
715 West Milwaukee Avenue, Storm Lake, IA 50588, USA
Phone 712-213-0109 | Fax 712-213-0186
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
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 of Central Iowa
Programs: ...
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
211
Just like calling 9-1-1 in an emergency, 2-1-1 is a three-digit helpline that connects anyone with local support and resources. Professionals are trained to quickly assess a caller’s needs and identify the best solution. 2-1-1 is free, confidential, and available any time.
Eligibility:
Open to anyone
Hours:
24 hours a day
Payment:
No cost to participants
Handicap Accessible: Yes
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 health of a community depends upon its ability to work toward common health goals and upon adequate distribution of health resources to all of its members. Since 1910, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has worked collaboratively with Dubuque’s private and public sectors, to reduce the spread of infectious disease, see that infants and children are properly immunized, educate people regarding healthy lifestyles, promote oral health, provide supportive services to elderly in their homes, offer parenting support, and so much more. Since 1997, the VNA has provided Public Health in Clayton County through the Elkader VNA office.
Over the years, the services offered by the Visiting Nurse Association have changed concurrently with the changing needs of the community and our service area has grown. The VNA of Dubuque currently has offices in Dubuque and Elkader, Iowa and collaborates with agencies in Allamakee, Delaware, and other northeast Iowa counties to serve their residents.
- Child Health Case Management and Care Coordination
- Immunization Clinics
- Oral Health Services
- Lead Poisoning Prevention
- EPSDT
- Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)
- Early Access
- WIC Program
- HCCI (Health Child Care Iowa)
- Care for Frail Elderly
- Immunizations
- Communicable Disease Follow-Up
- 1st Five Healthy Development Program
- Family Planning
- Maternal Health
Intake Process:
Intake process varies based on service, please contact VNS office to get started.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
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
The health of a community depends upon its ability to work toward common health goals and upon adequate distribution of health resources to all of its members. Since 1910, the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has worked collaboratively with Dubuque’s private and public sectors, to reduce the spread of infectious disease, see that infants and children are properly immunized, educate people regarding healthy lifestyles, promote oral health, provide supportive services to elderly in their homes, offer parenting support, and so much more. Since 1997, the VNA has provided Public Health in Clayton County through the Elkader VNA office.
Over the years, the services offered by the Visiting Nurse Association have changed concurrently with the changing needs of the community and our service area has grown. The VNA of Dubuque currently has offices in Dubuque and Elkader, Iowa and collaborates with agencies in Allamakee, Delaware, and other northeast Iowa counties to serve their residents.
- Immunization Clinics
- Oral Health Services
- Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa)
- Preventive Protective Home Visits
- 1st Five Healthy Development Program
- Tobacco
- Home Care Aide and Homemaker Service
- Respite Services
- Communicable Disease Follow-Up
- HIV and Hepatitis C Testing
- Ryan White Case Management Program
- Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
- Child Health Case Management and Care Coordination
- Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program
- WIC Program
- Family Planning
- Maternal Health
Intake Process:
Intake process varies by each service, please contact VNS office to get started.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
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
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
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
Eligibility:
Anyone can shop at the safety store
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Payment:
Self Pay
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Iowa’s 1st Five – Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between medical providers and public service providers to enhance high quality well-child care. Medical providers make a referral to 1st Five and a developmental support specialist contacts the family to discuss the family’s concerns. 1st Five developmental support specialists provide resources and referrals to help meet the needs of the family.
- Supporting the population of children birth to age five (up to a child’s fifth birthday).
- Increasing use of surveillance and standardized developmental screening by partnering with (engaging) primary care providers.
- Providing a one-step referral resource for primary care providers.
- Connecting referred children (and their parents/caregivers) to existing services in their local communities.
- Keeping primary care providers informed about children’s progress.
- Supporting healthy social, emotional and cognitive development of children birth to 5.
Eligibility:
1st Five is your partner in supporting healthy cognitive, social, and emotional development in Iowa children ages 0-5.
1st Five is Available in the Following Counties: Calhoun, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Hardin, Hamilton, Humboldt, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Webster, Wright.
Intake Process:
Call the 1st Five Project Director at (712) 363-8466.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Payment:
No cost to the participant.
Website: Visit Website
Iowa’s 1st Five – Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between medical providers and public service providers to enhance high quality well-child care. Medical providers make a referral to 1st Five and a developmental support specialist contacts the family to discuss the family’s concerns. 1st Five developmental support specialists provide resources and referrals to help meet the needs of the family.
- Supporting the population of children birth to age five (up to a child’s fifth birthday).
- Increasing use of surveillance and standardized developmental screening by partnering with (engaging) primary care providers.
- Providing a one-step referral resource for primary care providers.
- Connecting referred children (and their parents/caregivers) to existing services in their local communities.
- Keeping primary care providers informed about children’s progress.
- Supporting healthy social, emotional and cognitive development of children birth to 5.
Eligibility:
1st Five is your partner in supporting healthy cognitive, social, and emotional development in Iowa children ages 0-5.
Intake Process:
Email for further information/enrollment information: tball@udmo.com
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Payment:
No cost to the participant.
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
Urbandale Food Pantry
Programs: ...
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Eligibility:
Open to anyone. This is a DMARC Food Pantry. Turkey not available if individual utilizes another DMARC food pantry in the same month.
Intake Process:
Bring a form of identification for all family members served. Photo identification needed for anyone aged 18 and older in the household. Step into booth to check-in. Speak over intercom, volunteer pushes cart with food outside.
Hours:
Turkeys available during the month of November as a meat option for your full monthly check in. Pantry hours are from 9:30 am – 6:30 PM. and 8:00 am – 12:00 noon on Saturdays, However, the last check-in for service is at 6:15 PM during the weekday and at 11:45am on Saturdays.
1305 East Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50319, USA
Phone 515-281-5044 | Fax 515-281-8199
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
Healthy Child Care Iowa supports registered nurse child care health consultants (CCHC) throughout Iowa. The child care nurse consultants provide on-site consultations, technical assistance, and training to child care providers.
There is a toll-free talk line available to child care providers and families for health related questions and to be connected to a child care nurse consultant. The Healthy Families hotline number is 1-800-369-2229.
- Technical assistance through phone, e-mail or on-site visits for health and safety issues.
- Consult and train on health and safety standards and best practices.
- Help with health and safety policies.
- Support health record keeping, from medication to immunization records.
- Help increase physical activity and healthy eating for children in the child care setting.
- Connect child care providers to community resources for children and families.
- Perform a health and safety assessment for providers involved in Iowa’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
- Care planning for children with special health needs.
Eligibility:
Services available to all Iowa child care providers and families. For those in Dubuque, Allamakee, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek counties.
Intake Process:
For further steps and information contact: 563-556-6200
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
Truro Public Library
Community Fridge
Eligibility:
Open to all
Hours:
Sunday – Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:30am – 3:30 pm
Wednesday 3:30pm – 6:30 pm
Thursday 10am- 6pm
Friday Closed
Closed on Holidays
Norwalk Easter Public Library
Community Fridge
Eligibility:
open to all
Hours:
Library Hours
Monday – Thursday 10am – 8pm
Friday- 10am – 6pm
Saturday- 10am – 5pm
Lacona Public Library
Community Fridge
Eligibility:
open to all
Hours:
Sunday – Monday Closed
Tuesday – 9am – 12pm
3 – 6pm
Wednesday – 3 – 6pm
Thursday – 9am – 12pm
3 – 6 pm
Friday – 9am – 12pm
Saturday – 10am – 12pm
Holiday times might differ
Simpson college
Community Fridge
Eligibility:
Available to Simpson College Students
Hours:
when Building is open
Milo Meat Locker
Community Fridge
Hours:
Business Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm
Saturday 9am – 2pm
Closed Sunday
Holidays Hours may differ
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.
- Food Pantry
- Community Fridge
Intake Process:
First time visitors to our facility will fill out a very short and simple 2-page questionnaire regarding certain demographics. We do ask for an ID, or a sheet of paper with a current address or some form of identification. No appointment is necessary.
Hours:
Tuesday: 12:30pm-2:30pm.
Wednesday: 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Thursday: 9:00am-11:00am.
Saturday: 9:00am-11:00am.
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.
- Food Pantry
- Community Fridge
Intake Process:
First time visitors to our facility will fill out a very short and simple 2-page questionnaire regarding certain demographics. We do ask for an ID, or a sheet of paper with a current address or some form of identification. No appointment is necessary.
Hours:
Tuesday: 12:30pm-2:30pm.
Wednesday: 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Thursday: 9:00am-11:00am.
Saturday: 9:00am-11:00am.
Handicap Accessible: 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
Healthy Child Care Iowa supports registered nurse child care health consultants (CCHC) throughout Iowa. The child care nurse consultants provide on-site consultations, technical assistance, and training to child care providers.
There is a toll-free talk line available to child care providers and families for health related questions and to be connected to a child care nurse consultant. The Healthy Families hotline number is 1-800-369-2229.
- Technical assistance through phone, e-mail or on-site visits for health and safety issues.
- Consult and train on health and safety standards and best practices.
- Help with health and safety policies.
- Support health record keeping, from medication to immunization records.
- Help increase physical activity and healthy eating for children in the child care setting.
- Connect child care providers to community resources for children and families.
- Perform a health and safety assessment for providers involved in Iowa’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
- Care planning for children with special health needs.
Eligibility:
Services available to all Iowa child care providers and families. For those in Madison and Warren counties.
Intake Process:
For further steps and information contact: 515-961-1074
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
1305 East 1st Avenue suite 1, Indianola, IA 50125, USA
Phone 515-961-1073 | Fax 515-961-1077
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
Programs: ..., ..., ...
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
Our December Blessings program provides registered clients with the opportunity to receive both a Christmas food box and Christmas gifts for their children. The pre-assembled Christmas food box contains a variety of nourishing essentials for a traditional holiday meal. Children, from infancy through high school, can be registered to receive one or two wish list gifts generously donated by our supporters.
Eligibility:
December Blessings is available to qualified residents in the Waukee School District who meet eligibility requirements.
Intake Process:
Sign up: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pfBbkiSnMUGQfRdKUDUW4OD1cEN-Uw9CvToY-FfYOclUNEhBR0dBM0JQWlZENUJFNk9HT1AzVDM1Ny4u
Webster County Health Department
Programs: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, EPSDT Care for Kids Program / Title V Child & Adolescent Health, Healthy Child Care Iowa (HCCI), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program
723 1st Avenue South suite 220, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501
Phone 515-573-4107 | Fax 515-955-1682
The Webster County Public Health Department is dedicated to attainment of the highest level of physical, mental, and social wellbeing for all residents of Webster County.
The agency is obligated to coordinate efforts with other resources for the betterment of health care systems. The agency continually seeks new ways and means of being responsive to the ever-changing community health needs. The agency also believes in the value of consumer participation in planning and implementing public health programs.
- Care For Yourself
- Communicable Disease
- CPR
- Emergency Management
- Environmental Services
- General Assistance
- Hawki
- Home Health
- Immunizations
- Iowa Nutrition Network School Grant Program
- ISmile
- Maternal Health
- Maternal Infant Childhood Visiting Program (MIECHV)
- Syndemic Prevention Outreach and Testing Program (SPOT)
- Teen Information Pregnancy Program (TIPP)
- Woman Infant and Children (WIC)
Intake Process:
Intake process varies for each service, please contact Health Department office.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm.
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
If approved for Giftland will also receive holiday food voucher. Giftland will be distributed December 16th, 17th, and 18th.
Eligibility:
Identification for all household members, proof of residence and proof of income are required to register. Proof of income is not required if you have updated income with WDM Human Services in the last 12 months.
Intake Process:
Registration online is open October 20-October 31st, online and in person Nov 1-14. Available hours to walk in from Nov 1-14 is M-F from 8:30am-12pm. For online registration: https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/human-services/programs-services/holiday-assistance
December Holiday Food Vouchers will be available to registered, income qualifying households. Holiday food vouchers will be distributed on Dec 2nd for those not eligible for Giftland program.
Eligibility:
Identification for all household members, proof of residence and proof of income are required to register. Proof of income is not required if you have updated income with WDM Human Services in the last 12 months.
Intake Process:
Registration online is open October 20-October 31st, online and in person Nov 1-14. Available hours to walk in from Nov 1-14 is M-F from 8:30am-12pm. For online registration: https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/human-services/programs-services/holiday-assistance
135 West School Street, Forest City, IA 50436, USA
Phone 641-585-5863 | Fax 641-585-1803
2635 Lincoln Way, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
Phone 563-243-1413 | Fax 563-242-9992
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Located within the Westgate Medical Plaza
Clinic hours:
Monday, Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
- Family Planning Services
Hours:
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: 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.
Young Moms group is tailored to provide parenting education and support in a peer-to-peer setting. It’s a place for young moms to come together, build relationships with people with similar experiences and learn practical skills for parenting. Young Moms are encouraged to spend time with others who know what they are going through and the group provides a place for mutual support. Young Moms are provided with education on a wide variety of topics, as well as resources and services that may be available to them.
Topics covered
- continuing education & employment
- self-sufficiency
- developmental ages & stages
- discipline & punishment
- crying & temper tantrums
- healthy & unhealthy relationships
- self-esteem & child rearing
- importance of playing, reading & interaction with child
- Life Skills: cooking healthy meals, stretching food dollars, budgeting, medical care, first-aid & CPR, going to doctor vs. emergency room, financial literacy
Activities
- meal prep & cooking
- outings to parks, swimming, walks & holiday activities
- on-site child care & meal provided
- guest speakers on informative topics
- making diaper wipes
- hair cut & “spa” nights
Eligibility:
Any young mom up through age 24
Intake Process:
You may fill out the online referral form at Referral Page – Young Women’s Resource Center. You may also call to make a referral.
Hours:
Mondays – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Website: Visit Website
