| 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.
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.
- Housing search database
- Website available in English or Spanish
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.
- Legal representation & advice
- Legal clinics & workshops
- Community outreach & advocacy
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 or by phone.
60 & over call: 1-800-992-8161
Under 60 years old call: 1-800-532-1503
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Payment:
Sliding Scale, Self Pay
Handicap Accessible: Yes
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.
- Legal representation & advice
- Legal clinics & workshops
- Community outreach & advocacy
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 or by phone.
60 & over call: 1-800-992-8161
Under 60 years old call: 1-800-532-1503
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Payment:
Sliding Scale, Self Pay
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
“Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ) is statewide membership-based advocacy and immigration legal service organization driven and led by immigrant and refugee voices and united with allies”
- Family-Based Immigration
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
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Green Card Applications (refugee adjustments, U-Visa adjustments, I-90’s, etc.)
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Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans
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Asylum
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
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Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Benefits
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U-Visas for victims of certain crimes
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Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
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Naturalization and Citizenship
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A Limited Amount of Removal Defense Work
Intake Process:
Complete the pre-screen form on the website. If you need assistance filling out the form, call our office at 515-255-9809.
Monthly intake clinics are held at 3700 Cottage Grove Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311.
Interpreters Available:
- English
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Dinka
- Nuer
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 41006
Des Moines, IA 50311
Appointment Needed: Yes
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
Iowa Total Care provides advice and resources for pregnant members and new parents.
- Finding a provider who’s right for you
- Mental health
- Getting ready for baby
- Breastfeeding
- Your baby’s development
- Recovering after delivery
- Birth control
Eligibility:
Iowa Medicaid members who are enrolled in Iowa Total Care and are pregnant or with in 60 days post birth.
Website: Visit Website
“Iowa Concerns offers free, confidential support to help Iowans navigate stress, legal issues, financial challenges, and crisis situations. Whether you need someone to talk to or help finding the right resources, we’re here for you – anytime”
- Legal Education
- Stress Counseling
- Financial Concerns
- Crisis Assistance
200 West Briggs Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556, USA
Phone 641-472-5929 | Fax 641-472-3189
“It is the mission of Jefferson County Public Health to promote the mental, physical, & social well-being of all residents of Jefferson County while preventing illness & the spread of disease”
- Schedule & provide immunizations
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Head & lice checks
- Care seat inspections
- Communicable disease follow-up
- Emergency planning & preparedness
- Provide free condoms (for disease prevention)
- Educational programs provided free of charge
- Provide consultations & assistance to childcare programs
- Tuberculosis testing & medication monitoring
Eligibility:
Services available for individuals in Jefferson County, Iowa.
Intake Process:
Contact Jefferson County Public Health office.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Friday: 7:30am-1:00pm
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
Johnson County Public Health Department provides health services to residents of Johnson County. This includes clinical services, community, disease and immunizations, as well as environmental health.
Eligibility:
Must be a resident of Johnson County, Iowa.
Hours:
8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursday
9:00 am – 4:30 pm Friday
Website: Visit Website
“Joppa helps homeless people survive, find housing and rebuild their lives”
- Homeless Services
- Housing Development
- Education Advocacy
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Mailing Address:
2326 Euclid Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
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. Thousands of people live everyday without food and other basic necessities. One of our 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. We are always looking for volunteers and donations in order to assist more people”.
- Food Pantry
- Community Education
Intake Process:
Pre-registration not needed. No identification required. Knock and Drop will collect basic demographic information at the pantry.
Interpreters Available:
Spanish
Mailing Address:
PO Box 8054
Des Moines, IA 50301
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
“The Lamoni Food Pantry is a non-profit organization that provides support for the local communities of Lamoni and Davis City, Iowa”
- Food Pantry
- Emergency Relief Fund
- Step Up Program
- School Supply Program
- Christmas Meals
Eligibility:
Food assistance is open to anyone living within the communities of Lamoni and Davis City, Iowa. Bring a form of address confirmation with you the first time you receive food. (e.g. driver’s license, utility bill, etc.)
Hours:
Tuesday, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Thursday, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Website: Visit Website
Food pantry at Laurens United Methodist Church.
- Food Pantry
Intake Process:
The Laurens Area Food Pantry is located at the Laurens United Methodist Church (201 W. Main Street Laurens, Iowa). Please use the west alley door.
Hours:
Open the last Monday of each month from 11:00am-1:00pm, and every Thursday from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Closed on holidays.
Website: Visit Website
Lee County Health Department
Programs: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, EPSDT Care for Kids Program / Title V Child & Adolescent Health, Healthy Child Care Iowa (HCCI), Healthy Families America (HOPES-HFI), 1st Five
#3 John Bennett Drive, Fort Madison, IA 52627, USA
Phone 319-372-5225 | Fax 319-372-4374
“The Lee County Health Department protects health, prevents disease, and promotes the health and well-being for all persons in Lee County. Our focus is on the population as a whole, and we conduct our activities through a network of public health professionals throughout the community. Public health nurses make home visits to families with communicable diseases; environmental health specialists ensure safe food, water, and housing; and all work with community coalitions to advocate for public policies to protect and improve health”.
- 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative
- Child Care Nurse Consultant
- Child Health/Care for Kids
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Communicable Disease Follow-Up
- Empowering Families
- Hawki Outreach
- HOPES
- I-Smile
- Immunization Clinics
- Maternal Health
- Oral Health Programs
- Senior Health
- TB Testing
- Wellness
Intake Process:
Intake process varies by service, please contact Lee County Health Department.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1426
Fort Madison, IA 52627
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”.
- Civil Protective Orders
- Child Support
- Visitation
- Power of Attorney
- Guardianship/Conservatorship
- Debtor/Creditor
- Dissolution of Marriage
- Child Custody
- Will
- Paternity
- Unemployment Benefits Appeal
- Landlord/Tenant
Eligibility:
- 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
Intake Process:
Fill out online intake form on Legal Aid Society of Story County’s website.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
Payment:
Sliding Scale, Self-Pay
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Appointment Needed: Yes
Website: Visit Website
Help those who are needing clothing pantry, household items, and food pantry services.
- Food pantry
- Clothing pantry
- Household items at a discounted price
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
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
Linn County Public Health
Programs: Healthy Families America (HOPES-HFI), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
1020 6th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404
Phone 319-892-6093 | Fax 319-892-6099
Linn County Public Health (LCPH) serves Linn County’s residents through its numerous programs and services to keep the community healthy.
- STI testing and treatment
- HIV testing and referral services
- PrEP therapy
- Immunizations
- International travel clinic
- Tuberculosis testing
- Hepatitis services
- School and sport physicals
- Vaccine verification for refugees
- Civil surgeon services for change of status exam
- Lead poisoning prevention program
Intake Process:
Call to schedule appointment
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Website: Visit Website
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
244 23rd Ave N, Clinton, IA, USA
Phone 563-243-8200 | Fax 563.243.8210
HOPES-HFI is a home visiting program and serves families with young children. The program goals are to promote child health and development, improve family relationships, and encourage positive parenting and family relationships.
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services
- Community programs
- Early Childhood
- Foster care and adoption
- Immigrant and Refugee community services
- Services for people with disabilities
- Therapy services
Eligibility:
New parents who are expecting up until their child is 3 years old.
Intake Process:
Call or complete interest form for enrollment: 563-243-8200
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
111 W 15th St, Davenport, IA 52803, USA
Phone 563-322-7419 | Fax 563-322-5339
“Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. Each year, we strengthen Iowa families through a variety of programs, ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services”
- Early Childhood
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
- Community Programs
- Therapy Services
- Daily/Hourly Supported Community Living (SCL)
- Respite Care
- Host Homes
- Child Care
- Small Business Development Program
- Education Classes
- Family Reunification Services
- Global Greens
- Match and Save Program
- Resettlement Services
- Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Foster Care and Adoption
Intake Process:
Contact LSI office for further information.
Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Website: Visit Website
3125 Cottage Grove Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
Phone 515-274-4946 | Fax 515-271-7450
“Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. Each year, we strengthen Iowa families through a variety of programs, ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services”
- Early Childhood
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
- Community Programs
- Therapy Services
- Daily/Hourly Supported Community Living (SCL)
- Respite Care
- Host Homes
- Child Care
- Small Business Development Program
- Education Classes
- Family Reunification Services
- Global Greens
- Match and Save Program
- Resettlement Services
- Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Foster Care and Adoption
Intake Process:
Contact LSI office for further information.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Website: Visit Website
“Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. Each year, we strengthen Iowa families through a variety of programs, ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services”
- Early Childhood
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
- Community Programs
- Therapy Services
- Daily/Hourly Supported Community Living (SCL)
- Respite Care
- Host Homes
- Child Care
- Small Business Development Program
- Education Classes
- Family Reunification Services
- Global Greens
- Match and Save Program
- Resettlement Services
- Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Foster Care and Adoption
Intake Process:
Contact LSI office for further information.
Website: Visit Website
1308 South Cleveland Street, Sioux City, IA 51106, USA
Phone 712-255-2505 | Fax 712-258-0518
“Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. Each year, we strengthen Iowa families through a variety of programs, ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services”
- Early Childhood
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
- Community Programs
- Therapy Services
- Daily/Hourly Supported Community Living (SCL)
- Respite Care
- Host Homes
- Child Care
- Small Business Development Program
- Education Classes
- Family Reunification Services
- Global Greens
- Match and Save Program
- Resettlement Services
- Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Foster Care and Adoption
Intake Process:
Contact LSI office for further information.
Website: Visit Website
3640 University Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA
Phone 319-233-3579 | Fax 319-233-6569
“Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. Each year, we strengthen Iowa families through a variety of programs, ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services”
- Early Childhood
- Behavioral Health Intervention Services (BHIS)
- Community Programs
- Therapy Services
- Daily/Hourly Supported Community Living (SCL)
- Respite Care
- Host Homes
- Child Care
- Small Business Development Program
- Education Classes
- Family Reunification Services
- Global Greens
- Match and Save Program
- Resettlement Services
- Senior Immigrant and Refugee Program
- Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Foster Care and Adoption
Intake Process:
Contact LSI office for further information.
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Payment:
No cost to participant.
Website: Visit Website
