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Assistance programs Des Moines and Polk County Iowa.
Find information on how to get financial assistance, free stuff as well as help for paying utility bills, rent, and transportation costs in Des Moines and Polk County Iowa. There is also stuff including food or healthcare, grants to pay for home repairs or security deposits, and free furniture or school supplies from churches. Locate financial help near you in Des Moines IA and Polk County.
There may even be emergency car or automobile repair help. Or get emergency assistance for a mortgage, energy bill, or long term support such as case management in Polk County IA. Low-income families will also get car loan payment assistance, or even free Christmas gifts from various local Des Moines and Polk County charity organizations, churches, or government assistance programs.
Des Moines and Polk County community action financial resources
The IMPACT Community Action Partnership offers several resources to low-income families, people seeking a job and others in the community. There is energy assistance programs, weatherization or home repairs in Polk County and partnerships with local agencies. They include:
- Emergency Crisis Intervention - This program provides assistance for the repair, replacement, or tune up of heating units and furnaces. Funds are offered to repair or purchases heaters, blankets, fans and air conditioners for a qualified homeowner. Read more on the free heating system repairs.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance - The government funded program provides cash that is used to help pay winter heating costs as well as summer air conditioning bills. LIHEAP in Des Monies can also pay for furnace or heating system repairs.
- Assistance comes in the form of a one-time payment. The amount of the payment will be determined by factors such as gross income, type of home, and family size. The funds are grant based, and do not need to be repaid. Find additional information on getting utilities turned on if you have no money.
- Partnerships with Iowa utility and gas companies - grant money and payment plans are offered, with a focus on seniors and the disabled. Utility company customer contributions help low-income customers pay their home light, gas and power bills.
- Free clothes and food - IMPACT helps feed the hungry and provides clothing assistance for job seekers, kids, or adults. Free winter coats, work or medical uniforms and other items are offered, including a box of food.
- Weatherization - Workers that work with the agency will perform free home energy audits and weatherize homes. The program is free, and it provides insulation, inefficient appliance replacement and furnace repair and replacement, and caulking.
- Employment programs and basic needs for a job - Community Action helps clients find work, prepare for an interview, maybe provide gas or a car ride to work. There are also referrals to automobile repair programs and resources, and locate emergency car repair help near you.
Contact the IMPACT Community Action Partnership office for more information or to apply to the low-income home energy heating assistance program. Call (515) 518-4770 for an appointment or visit the office, which is located at 1119 33rd Street, Des Moines, IA 50311. Or read IMPACT Community Action Partnership.
City of Des Moines Community Action Agency will only support people that live in the city itself. However, a number of programs are available to those that qualify. Examples include, but are not limited, the following.
- Energy bill assistance - A combination of federal government and state of Iowa grants can be used for paying heating water or utility bills. Another key service is weatherization for saving money and furnace repairs.
- Free debt reduction services are offered in Des Moines. This is done in partnership with non-profit credit counseling agencies. As an example, find help with debt on credit cards.
- Money making opportunities, including those for a website or smartphone. Find Apple iPhone and Android apps for making money.
- Food include groceries from a Des Moines pantry as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.
- Other self sufficiency includes credit counseling, budgeting, and foreclosure assistance.
- Other repair and conservation programs include weatherization, furnace repairs, and the emergency home repair program. This offers help with matters such as dangerous wiring, roof leaks, housing foundations, and major plumbing problems.
The non-profit can also provide referrals and information. For example, very low income families, including the disabled, may be able to get access to low income apartments or public housing. Much more is available as well. Read more Des Moines Community Action Agency.
Des Moines area is supported by the Community Action in SE Iowa. They focus on 4 key services, including assistance in applying for prescription drugs, LIHEAP, weatherization, and Family Self-Sufficiency and Head Start for low income parents. Read more on Community Action of Southeast Iowa.
Emergency financial assistance, food, or energy bill help
Another of the places to turn to is the Salvation Army. They provide family hardship money and free material assistance, which means that qualified families can get help with the following expenses. Get emergency help for a mortgage, rent and deposit assistance, clothing, or get free food as well as groceries.
- The Des Moines Salvation Army also runs programs such as Project H2O. This is offered in partnership with Des Moines Water Works to help pay water bills
- The Christian charity may also offer utility and heating bill assistance, Prescription and medical assistance, and free furniture as well as school supplies or Christmas toys from Angel Tree. They also run an infant center which can provide diapers, formula, and other child care products. Phone number is (515) 282-3599, or learn more on Salvation Army Des Moines and Polk County.
Rental and security deposit programs are offered at a small number of Polk County agencies. When funding allows, the organizations, most of which are charity groups, will help people that are facing an eviction or assist them with rehousing. This is when either transitional housing or money for a security deposit may be issued. Click more information on emergency rent assistance in Des Moines and Polk County.
Tenants in Polk County can look into the federally funded Homeless Prevention and Rent Help in the form of a one-time rental payment. The primary goal is to allow a struggling individual or family to remain in their home or apartment. In addition, the housing program provides assistance to someone with an eviction notice, and it can also provide cash grants to individuals with a utility disconnect notice through direct payments to a person’s landlord or vendor. More information on homeless prevention in Polk County Iowa.
West Des Moines Human Services offers information, outreach and referral services, including limited financial aid.
- Child care for working parents. This includes government subsidizes, vouchers, and grants. Learn more on help with child care in Iowa.
- Homeless prevention includes partial emergency utilities assistance, security deposits, or funds for paying rent or your mortgage. LIHEAP is run from the office. Water bill assistance is offered from H20 Plus.
- Non-financial assistance and case management includes transitional housing, food pantries, and free fans or air conditioners. Weatherization can also help people in Polk County save money on their heating bills.
- Other assistance offered, that is not really cash based, includes meals and toys around Christmas. A personal pantry can provide school supplies, clothes, items such as diapers, and household goods.
- In some cases, loans may be issued by Human Services instead of cash aid. This can be effective too, and read about options such as payday loans for paying bills.
- Seniors can also receive transportation to an appointment, or a handyman service to older people and the disabled in Polk County.
Human Services is at 139 6th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, call (515) 222-3660, or find more details on Polk County public assistance.
Catholic Charities is an organization that offers assistance programs in Polk County Iowa. They offer information, referrals, outreach, and more to the less fortunate. They help single mothers, immigrants, low-income adults and others. For details on their services, the main website is www.catholiccharitiesdm.org or read more on Catholic churches that help with money.
Aging Resources of Central Iowa provides Basic Need Assistance. The office is at 5835 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312-1437. The non-profit agency can help meet the emergency needs of low-income persons age 60 years and older, including those on social security in Polk County. There is also help for the disabled, including grant money in IA for disabled individuals.
- Funds are limited for material assistance, but the Resource Center can help with home cleaning, emergency needs such as prescription drugs, or money for furnace or water heater repair. There are also free mobility as well as assistive devices. Or senior citizens can get free clothes, including winter coats. There are also recreational support, such as Cable TV resources and look here for cheap cable TV help for low income.
The Senior center will giver referrals to financial help in Polk County. This may include dental expenses, utility and heating bills, eye glasses, extermination, and even plumbing and electrical work. Other expenses can be paid for on a case-to-case basis, and usually a grant is provided. Call (515) 255-1310 or (515) 248-6212, or more on Polk County Aging Resources Center.
Polk County Commission of Veterans Affairs supports former members of the military, their spouses, and children. They help veterans apply for government benefits, including a free car, grant money, medical and more. The office will also offer emergency financial aid or no-interest loans. The money can be used for rent or mortgage payments, eyeglasses, food, and even funeral costs. Address is 2309 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50310 or dial (515) 286-3670.
- Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) is an assistance program that is focused on helping homeless and unstably-housed Veterans and their immediate families. Temporary financial assistance is offered for paying moving expenses, rent, security and utility deposits, transportation, and child care costs. Also work with case managers and get help in obtaining VA and other public benefits, register for free legal aid, get employment and job training referrals too. Location is 1200 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314. Call (515) 248-1531.
Places for free clothes, furniture, appliances and school supplies help the working poor. Low-income families will get the stuff they need for a home or everyday wear, such as clothing, a bed to sleep in, couches, and supplies for work. Or get backpacks for students in Polk County, gift cards and other stuff. Find free school supplies, clothes and furniture in Polk County.
- Thanksgiving and free Christmas programs - Seniors, children, and the homebound in the area are the main beneficiaries. They can receive free meals, Christmas toys, turkey dinners, or gifts around the holiday seasons, and many Polk County agencies provide this support. More on free Christmas and holiday help in Polk County.
There are a number of religious organizations and churches in the Des Moines Iowa region. Each tends to offers several resources, but faith based groups do have limits as to what they can or can’t provide. The agencies generally assist thousands of families per year, but applicants need to live within parish boundaries. Some of the services they offer at a church may include:
- Emergency food boxes and free food for families in need - The agency can provide an emergency food box which contains a small week’s supply of nonperishable food items. The aid is not unlimited as a family may receive an emergency food box only once a month.
- Infant Formula and Diapers- Families may receive an emergency supply of free diapers and/or baby formula.
- Free clothing - Access to the “closet program” is available to anyone in Polk County. This includes school supply items for students in Polk County too, including those from a single mom or dad run home. Or look here for free clothes programs near you.
Several other social services are available in Polk County. They include assistance for immigrants, Family Services, employment counseling, and other aid. Call for more information about what you need to bring with you to receive an emergency food box, clothes and/or infant care items.. Find additional information on Polk County church programs.
Housing Authority - Family Unification Program (DMMHA) can help families in which the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in their separation. Funds for rent, energy bills, and other housing resources are offered. Applicant must be involved with the Child Protective Services Unit or leaving foster care. They help qualifying low-income persons in Polk County with emergency security deposit or rental assistance. Call (515) 323-8950
DMARC - Des Moines Area Religious Council runs a food pantry. There may be groceries for short term emergency situations. The charity may also be financial help for utility bills, rent, and security deposits. Another service can help people impacted by the death of a loved one.
- The organization operates this program in partnership with the Salvation Army as well as Social Service Department in the county. All cash grants from DMARC are limited. The address is 3816 36th Street, or call (515) 277-6969. Click more information on assistance from Des Moines Area Religious Council.
Proteus, Inc. and the Des Moines center provide help to income qualified migrant and seasonal farm workers only. Grants can be used for rent and utility or heating bill assistance. There is also medical for migrants in Polk County, free personal stuff, hot meals, rent money and other support. Call (515) 271-5303 or (515) 271-5306, or look here for transitional housing near you.
Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church, Cross Ministries is an outreach program that offers emergency financial help. Find resources to help with paying expenses such as rent, mortgage, security deposits, utility bills, and more. Vouchers can help with other basic needs such as bus tokens, laundry, hygiene items and storage costs.
- Look into resources that operate during the summer, which include a fan/air conditioner program. Qualified people, mostly those with medical conditions or families with young children, may receive a free or low cost central air conditioning or a window unit air conditioner. The emergency cooling bill assistance program, or (ECAP), will offer fans or financial help as well, even for people who rent.
Other services include free school supplies, and an onsite food pantry. The program is run from 1050 24th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50311, call (515) 279-9998, or learn more on Cross Ministries.
Des Moines St. Vincent De Paul Society offers a general relief program. It assists families who cannot afford to pay their utilities, rent or mortgage payments, food, clothing, or furniture. Job training and education services include GED, ESL and computer classes in both Spanish and English. Telephone (515) 282-8327, or read more on Saint Vincent de Paul financial assistance.
- The local Polk County Saint Vincent and its churches offer additional resources as well. The true focus of the charity is on ensuring residents have the tools they need to overcome challenges, find a job, and emerge from poverty in the future. So counselors offer GED preparation, job training, and provide information on employment programs. Numerous adult literacy, budgeting, and credit repair workshops are also held across Polk County Iowa. Continue with Des Moines St. Vincent de Paul.
The County of Polk, Iowa Legal Aid (dial ((515) 243-2151) provides free legal advice to qualified low income Iowa families. Attorneys and volunteer lawyers help the low-income and elderly. They offer Civil Legal Assistance, including support for domestic issues, divorce, eviction and landlord issues. One of the services they offer for free is to help stop evictions or a foreclosure. The address is 666 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309. Learn more on Iowa foreclosure programs, including mediation.
Polk City Home Improvement Program can help homeowners within the city. Financial assistance is offered for activities such as basic structural repairs (roof and walls), electrical, plumbing, Handicap Accessibility, and also energy conservation upgrades. Telephone (515) 273-0770. The address is 4200 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265.
There are income producing opportunities for clients too, including from simple tasks such as taking a survey or using products. Many are flexible and can be done from home. Learn about getting paid to take legit surveys online.
Hope Ministries helps homeless people, including women with kids, men, and others. The charity is at 5075 E University Ave B, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327. There are clothes, free sleeping bags, an emergency homeless shelter and referrals for people with no money. Call (515) 265-7272, or look here when you have no money.
Food pantries and free soup kitchens in Polk County IA
Caring Hands Outreach Center works with Polk County relief and churches to provide food to families in the SE Polk School District. Low income and people who need help can only use this facility at most every 30 days Call (515) 967-4533. The pantry is at 602 3rd St SW, Altoona, IA 50009.
- Other location of Caring Hands is at 4101 E 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50317. Canned groceries, formula, meals, and other food assistance is available
Grimes Food Pantry. People can also pick up dry goods as well as vouchers for perishable goods. The address is 112 NE Ewing St. Grimes, IA 50111, telephone (515) 986-4036
The are a number of other food banks in the region. Thousands of residents turn to them on a monthly basis for groceries and more. Several have soup kitchens with hot meals, including summer snacks for students or free holiday food boxes or meals (easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas). Many of the non-profits even offer referrals. More on free food pantries Polk County.
Low income or free medical and dental care
The Iowa Clinic - Des Moines Health Center is a privately run, not for profit community health center that has as its mission the goal of providing low cost or free health and dental care to low income and uninsured patients in Des Moines and Polk County Iowa. It is also supported by the United Way. Call the clinic at 515-875-9000 to learn more or make an appointment. Click here to find additional ways to get help with hospital bills or medical bills, as well as free health care. The address of the center is 5950 University Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Maple Street Baptist Church Free Clinic (phone (515) 262-1931) is another center for free or low cost medical care. The homeless, people with no insurance or on Medicaid and others will get care - both dental or medical.
There are several other free healthcare programs and services in the county. They help the poor, immigrants, seniors, and very low income. Some take private insurance and others take Medicaid. Adults and children can get free care too. Click here for additional free health clinics and dental centers in Polk County Iowa.
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