Linn County assistance programs.

Help with paying rent, bills, and other expenses.

The Salvation Army, which is located at 1000 C Ave NW – Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has seen an increasing number of people who need assistance. Many of the individuals and families who are struggling today need some short term help, maybe enough money to get through another month of rent or be able to pay a utility bill. While the Salvation Army has limited funds, they do their best to help as many people as possible. Call 605-342-8849.

Rent assistance - The Salvation Army has stepped in and wrote some people a check who need rent help. While usually the amounts of the checks are fairly small, sometimes it can be just enough to prevent an eviction.

Help with heating and utility bills - Many people today are struggling with their energy bills. They do also have some funds that can be used for heating and utility bills, in particular providing enough money to prevent a disconnection of service.

Food aid - They have an onsite pantry, and provide food assistance. Households can receive a food box or groceries up to six times a year. The box will contain mostly nonperishable food items, however it will provide approximately two weeks worth of free meals. As donations allow, the Cedar Rapids Salvation Army may also assist with providing personal care items such as toothpaste, laundry detergent, shampoo, and other household items.

Call the Cedar Rapid Salvation Army at 605-342-8849 to learn about any of the above services.

Limited financial assistance is Helping Hands Ministry, located at 601 2nd Ave (dial (319) 366-2651) can provide qualified Linn County Iowa residents with rent assistance, security deposit funds, money to pay heating bills and utilities, limited local bus tickets, utility deposits, and general referrals. For example they have information on how to get heating bill help in Iowa.

Linn County General Assistance, which can be reached at (319) 892-5850, which is a government agency that provides limited financial assistance on a temporary basis for a short period of time. The government assistance can be used to help pay for basic needs and expenses, that include, but is not limited to rent expenses, lot rent; interest on a homeowners original mortgage; utilities and gas bills, electric, heating expenses, and water. In addition, the government agency may be able to offer free food vouchers for clients who are unable to work. Last, but not least, Linn County prescription information may be obtained here also so people can get health care assistance.

Des Moines Proteus, Inc., located at 3850 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, Iowa, can offer emergency assistance to pay utilities and rent. In addition, find help getting a job from assessment, career counseling, job placement and vocational training. Also apply for assistance to locate housing or apartments, and access community services that are needed to transition from homeless status. The non-profit may be able to assist with paying for rent, moving, clothing, transportation, emergency food, personal items, etc. Call (515) 271-5303.