Housing Resources

  • Primary Health Care: Homeless Support Services in Polk County: Address: 1200 University Ave, Suite 110A (West Entrance), Des Moines, Iowa This team connects individuals and families with housing resources, benefits, and care. You must do a centralized intake in person. Hours are 8:00AM-3:30PM, Monday-Friday. Arrive early. For any questions relating to access or accessibility, call (515)-248-1850.
    What to expect?
    1. Check in and complete a brief intake form
    2. If eligible, wait in the lobby to meet with a case manager.
    3. Assessment and referrals to programs and services (resources are limited; same-day help is not guaranteed).
    4. Arrive early; if you arrive by 1pm, you may not be seen that day.
    What should I bring? If you have any ID or documents, bring those. If you don't have documents, still go as they will still work with you.

  • Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency (DMMHA):
    As of April 2026, the Public Housing Waitlist is OPEN for household sizes of two people or less.
    As of April 2026, Section 8 waitlist is CLOSED

  • West Des Moines Human Services
     Emergency Financial Assistance provides partial payments for West Des Moines residents in financial crisis. They can assist with rent, mortgages, and utilities (gas, electric, and water). Program hours are: Monday - Friday | 8:30am-12:00pm.
    How to apply:
    • Call: 515.222.3660
    • Visit: 139 6th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
  • Cross Outreach Homelessness Prevention: Provides immediate financial assistance for rent, mortgages, utilities, and laundry vouchers.
    Important to know:
    • CROSS is only able to assist about 30 households per month. All requests must be received through email ONLY on the 3rd Monday of the Month from 8:00AM-8:00PM. Households are chosen at random.
  • Upcoming intake dates: 4/20/26; 5/18/2026; 6/15/2026; 7/20/2026; 8/17/2026; 9/21/2026; 10/19/2026; 11/16/2026; 12/21/2026
  • If wanting to apply for assistance, you will need to email [email protected] with the following information:
    • 1. Head of household name and current phone number in SUBJECT LINE.
    • 2. Head of household photo ID.
    • 3. Names and dates of birth for all household members.
    • 4. If the request is for utility assistance, a copy of the most recent utility bill.

  • General Assistance: Rent assistance is available for qualifying households that generally have enough income month to month to remain in their home but which have experienced a temporary financial disruption or hardship in which they need one-time assistance.

    • Income limits apply. You must be able to provide documentation to have enough current income to remain in their home after the month of assistance.
    • Your landlord must agree to accept a payment voucher from General Assistance.
    • Applicants who meet the definition of "Persons Unavailable for Employment" may also qualify for assistance.
    • Application requirements
      • Polk County Residency
      • Valid photo ID
      • Social Security card (only needed if applying for the first time)
      • Verification of all household expenses from the last 30 days
      • Eligibility requires applicants to provide evidence there is income going back at least 30 days, and continuing, and that their current rent and utilities are affordable in future months.
      • If eligible, General Assistance will provide assistance based on family size.
      • A properly completed landlord statement (landlord must be willing to accept payment voucher and must agree to not evict for 30 days for non-payment of rent).

      Housing Resources in Surrounding Counties:

      • IMPACT: Provides housing assistance in the surrounding counties Boone, Jasper, Marion, and Warren counties.

        • Homelessness Prevention Program (Short-Term): This is a program that provides rent/mortgage assistance to households that are unable to pay their rent or are currently behind on payments. They can provide assistance for up to $300 per year. Households must be at or below 175% on the Federal Poverty Level and MUST reside in Boone, Jasper, Marion or Warren counties. To apply for the program, call 515-518-4770. You will need identification for all household members, proof of the last 30 days (or previous year's) income, and a statement or lease agreement from your landlord.

        • Homelessness Prevention Program (Long-Term): This program provides financial assistance toward rent for 6 months and case management for 12 months The goal is to prevent homelessness or stability for those that are currently homeless. This program provides financial coaching and resource navigation. This program is ONLY available in Warren county. In order to be eligible for this program, you must be at or below the 30% of the Area Median income . To apply for this program, call 515-518-4770.

        • Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program: This program offers households assistance with their rent for up to 2 years if funding is available. Households must pay 30% of their income toward rent. This program currently has a waitlist and is NOT open to the public. In order to be eligible for this program, households must be at or below 60% area median income and you MUST have a referral from the FaDSS Program (Family Development Self-Sufficiency Program).