Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) designed to assist low-income families meet the cost of home heating. LIHEAP provides a one-time payment to the heating utility department.

This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy costs, but to provide assistance in the payment of residential heating costs for eligible households.  Households who reside in subsidized housing that are individually metered and responsible for paying their primary heating costs are eligible.  Subsidized households that are master metered are usually not eligible to receive assistance benefits


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

Mailing Address:


Handicap Accessible: Yes

Website: View Website