Homeless or Unhoused (Also see housing or cooling and warming centers)

• Crisis line and resources. 

• Live chat is available.

• Your Life Iowa also has a hotline and treatment search function. Use their facility locator.

• When you don’t know who to turn to about a problem with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health, Your Life Iowa is here for you 24/7. We provide free, confidential support and connect you to resources meant to help you get your life back on track.

• Keywords: tobacco, vaping, suicide, homeless, unhoused, assistance

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides emotional support for people in distress in the U.S.
• 24/7/365 via text, call, and chat services. No judgment, just help 

Search terms or Keywords: 988, need to talk, emergency, suicide hotline, crisis, crisis line, help, emotion, distress, problems, hotline, suicide prevention

• Designated Mental Health Center for Jasper and Poweshiek Counties.

• Services: diagnosis and treatment through psychotherapy interventions.
  • mental health, behavioral health, psychiatric, including medication management
• Substance abuse/misuse, addiction, groups, assessments, and chemical dependency counseling
• Community Support: Supported Community Living and Independent Living (Housing), Connections Peer Support, Justice Involved Services, and Representative Payee Services.
• Serves EVERYONE; ALL ages and accepts Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, and insurance. In office and telehealth. 
• Extensive experience: children, adults, couples, and family services. No one will be denied service due to inability to pay. 
• Psychological Testing: ADHD, ID Waiver, Bariatric, Dementia, and MMPI 
• Children Focused Therapy: Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Play Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)
• Programs: mandated drinking driver educational program course. ( Other keywords: OWI. driver's license, court-ordered class)
• 24/7 Crisis Line: (800)332-4224
• Mission: To promote mental health and reduce the impairments associated with mental health disorders, substance abuse, and chemical dependency by providing education, support, and treatment services.
• Motto: Let us be part of the solution!
• For Employees: National Health Service Corps (NHSC) site. Scholarships and loan repayment programs. 
• The therapy dog is in training; contact Maddie Ellis. madisone@capstonebh.org
• Emergency appointments are available. 
• Housing options are available for those who qualify, if receiving services. Schedule an appointment today. 
• If someone is struggling with anything in Jasper County, Capstone will serve as a contact for the resource guide.
• Also see Connection Center. 
• Donations accepted.

Services: Food, Health, Housing, & Support

• Homeless Street Outreach contact: Jill Rogers Email: jrogers@centraliowashelter.org  Tel: 515-805-7883
• Shelter, meals, and support services are provided at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness, while also facilitating their move towards self-sufficiency.  The Shelter has a capacity of 150 people. 
• Coordinated Entry
• Rolling Hills Coalition: 15 counties in Southeast Iowa, including Jasper County. 
• Your Life Iowa: to connect and share information with agencies across the state that have signed a confidentiality agreement.  
• Empowerment Command Centers are located in Grinnell and Ottumwa. 

Four Categories of the Homeless Definition

Within the homeless definition, there are four categories of homelessness:

1. Literally Homeless
2. Imminent Risk of Homelessness
3. Homeless Under Other Federal Statutes
4. Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence

After hours, contact Your Life Iowa. 

Keywords: Rent, deposit assistance, homelessness, homeless, housing help, home, eviction, rental, rental assistance, rent assistance

IMPACT Community Action Partnership reduces the barriers and burdens that families in poverty experience by increasing access to essential needs. Assistance may be available for food and personal hygiene, utilities (heat, water, and cooling), housing (rent, deposit, and mortgage), and emergency needs. All services are available in the office, over the phone, and by a scheduled home visit. Several programs can also be accessed via online application, email, or postal mail. See our website or contact our team by phone or email to learn more. May offer assistance with emergency applications, such as those related to flood or weather damage events. 

Housing: 

• Utilities: LIHEAP (Low Income energy assistance program) help. Heat, water, and cooling. 
• Housing: Rent, deposit, and mortgage. 
• HOME ARP funds - allow eligible individuals with housing start-up costs (application fees, deposit, rent, and utility arrears).  This program is for those who have been recently released from incarceration in the last year.
• HOME CHAMP program -  a housing assistance initiative in Iowa, a collaboration between IMPACT Community Action Partnership and Wellpoint. It provides case management and direct financial assistance for housing costs to eligible Wellpoint members in Iowa. 
• Air Conditioner/Fan Program: limited supplies

Food Cards: IMPACT Resource Centers located in counties where we do not have a food pantry (Jasper, Marion, and Warren) offer limited access to food cards for local grocery stores. Please call 515-518-4770 to check on the availability of the cards.

RAYS Scholarship: for eligible low-income students to participate in sports, band, dance, etc.

For more than 20 years, Anawim Housing has met the needs of Polk County's most vulnerable citizens through Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Today, more than 220 units are leased across the county making us the largest provider of permanent supportive housing in Iowa. These units house families as well as individuals who come from homelessness and live with mental illness, a substance use disorder, a physical disability, or a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Upon referral through Polk County Centralized Intake, the supportive program staff meet regularly with participants, helping them on the road to housing stability.

To qualify for participation in one of Anawim Housing's Permanent Supportive Housing programs, individuals and families must meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes experiencing literal homelessness and having at least one documented disability within the household. Such disabling conditions encompass a range of conditions, such as a substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability, or a chronic physical health condition. 

• Provides ongoing rental assistance for the public and section housing to individuals and families that qualify.
• Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority aims to promote affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing by assisting qualified families in a non-discriminatory manner, encouraging self-sufficiency and individual responsibility, while maintaining the public trust.
• Numerous programs including Section 8, Famly Self Sufficiency, Owned Housing Program, Housing Choice Voucher, 
• Keywords: housing, rental, landlords, section 8, utility allowance

The Colfax-Mingo school district will make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children and youth of school age within the district, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate existing barriers to their receiving education that may exist in district policies or practices.  A homeless child or youth as defined by law as a child or youth from the age of 3 years through 21 years who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes the following:

• a child or youth who is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; is abandoned in a hospital; or is awaiting foster care placement;
• a child or youth who has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• a child or  youth who is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting; or
• a migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because the child or youth is living in the circumstances described above.

The district shall make available to the homeless child or youth all services and assistance including, but not limited to, compensatory education, special education, English as a second language, vocational courses or programs, programs for gifted and talented, health services, and food and nutrition programs, on the same basis as those services and assistance provided to resident pupils.

If you need further assistance/information, please contact the building principal, counselor, or Stephanie Ver Helst, Homeless Liason, sverhelst@colfaxmingo.org, 515-674-3646.

GRINNELL, Iowa, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) and Iowa Total Care will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Empowerment Command Center and Affordable Housing Project on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 am at 306 6th Ave., Grinnell.

The Empowerment Command Center is a portion of a 2-year $2.55 million commitment to CISS by Iowa Total Care and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation.

This momentous project represents CISS' commitment to addressing the urgent needs of rural Iowans facing homelessness and housing instability. The Empowerment Command Center will provide essential services, including job training, veterans' resources, case management, health and wellness support, and pathways to permanent housing. By establishing this center, CISS aims to eliminate the obstacles that residents of Poweshiek County currently face when needing to travel to urban centers for these vital services.

"Our research identified Grinnell as a place in need of services and support for individuals experiencing housing challenges," said Melissa O'Neil, CISS CEO. "The opening of our newest Empowerment Command Center in Grinnell reflects our dedication to extending efficient and effective solutions to homelessness into rural communities while fostering stability and empowerment."

"Iowa Total Care and the Centene Foundation know by addressing the critical link between healthcare and other factors like housing, we can leverage partnerships and local services to create and implement sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations, while fostering healthier communities. We are proud to support and partner with CISS on the Grinnell Empowerment Command Center and help support innovative solutions for rural Iowans," said interim Iowa Total Care Plan President & CEO, Bryan Sanders.

Modeled after the successful Empowerment Command Center in Des Moines, this initiative will bring critical resources closer to the community and facilitate a more supportive environment for individuals seeking assistance and utilizing existing resources. A dedicated team of case workers and advocates will ensure that residents receive tailored support and comprehensive care.

Additionally, the project will introduce four affordable housing units in Grinnell, addressing the significant gaps in housing availability. Funded through grant allocations, local support, and private financial contributions, these units will serve as a lifeline for those who may not qualify for traditional housing options.

CISS invites community members, stakeholders, and advocates to join in this pivotal occasion. Your presence can help amplify the message of support and commitment to those in need. 

About Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS)
Central Iowa Shelter & Services is the largest low-barrier shelter in Iowa. Its mission is to provide shelter, meals and support services to adults experiencing homelessness and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency. CISS also provides housing services to a 15-county region through its Rolling Hills Coalition.

About Iowa Total Care (ITC)
Iowa Total Care provides Medicaid healthcare coverage to eligible individuals in Iowa. Established in 2019, Iowa Total Care exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate, and coordinated care. Iowa Total Care is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives.

About the Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene's mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social determinants of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services, and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation's website. 

Safety & advocacy to victims of intimate partner violence in Jasper County. 24-hour crisis line, one-on-one counseling, support services, court, medical, & housing advocacy.

Keywords: domestic violence, human trafficking, homicide, violent crimes, housing and homelessness, advocacy at health clinics, statewide hotline, family visitation and exchange, abuse, intimate partner, family violence, safety plan, 

HEAL House of Iowa endeavors to provide a hand-UP to Warren County, Iowa children, families, and individuals in housing distress and/or for those individuals identifying themselves as homeless by providing safe housing support and resource services. HEAL House of Iowa will assist served individuals in identifying and linking to social supports, established services, and available financial resources that have the potential to bridge the individual from homelessness to successfully housed.

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program specialize in linking families and individuals with the benefits, housing resources, services and care they need. The goal of the SSVF program is to improve low-income veteran families’ housing stability. SSVF provides outreach, case management services, health care navigation, and assists participants with obtaining VA benefits as well as other public benefits that they are eligible to receive.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

• Must be a veteran or have a veteran in your household
• Experiencing homelessness or imminently homeless
• Meet income guidelines
• Any discharge status except for dishonorable
• Must reside in Dallas, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Story or Warren County

Our mission at Hope CDA is to offer hope through Jesus Christ and to build lives for men seeking a second chance. Grounded in truth and love, we provide a comprehensive one-year program where men commit to overcoming addiction, gaining life skills, and finding employment. We aim to demonstrate Christ’s love, witness transformative change, and guide men towards long-term success, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Additionally, through our efforts in refurbishing and constructing houses in our jobs training program, we are actively improving communities and helping to address the affordable housing crisis.

Our Goals

• To show Christ’s love.
• To see God change lives.
• To see men lead successful lives free from addiction.
• To provide an environment for God to move.
• To enhance employment opportunities through career training.
• To transform neighborhoods by refurbishing houses.
• To provide housing for low-income families.
• To break the fatherless poverty cycle.
• To help men to become leaders.
• To help men learn how to live successfully, financially, relationally and spiritually.

Short-term shelter and a free long-term (up to two years) life recovery program.

See website or call for more information. 

HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.

• Homelessness
• Affordable places to live
• Home ownership
• Report housing discrimination
• Rent relief and eviction resources
• Housing Quality and Improved Living Conditions

Information on speaking to a HUD-approved Housing Counselor 

Information on having a HUD property inspected

Explore everything you need for homeownership assistance, rental programs, and community support under one roof.

Keywords: homeless, homeowner, ownership, Iowa housing search, title, renter, state housing trust fund

PATH stands for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, a program offered by Iowa HHS. 

Iowa PATH workers reach out to adults who are homeless and live with mental illness, substance abuse and trauma, offering them connections to hope, healing, resilience, housing, treatment and recovery in Iowa's mental health system of care.

WE PROVIDE THE BASIC BLOCKS FOR SURVIVAL: FOOD, CLOTHING, HEAT, AND HOPE.

Homeless Services is the foundation of Joppa. Our trained volunteers visit about 230 families and individuals every week—52 weeks per year—regardless of weather.

Our Outreach Program serves people living under bridges and in tents, and vehicles. We build relationships; provide food, water, and essentials; and connect them with resources related to housing, employment, mental health, and more.

After they move into permanent housing, our Aftercare Program includes weekly visits, a Circle of Friends, and other services to help clients take positive steps in their health, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

JOPPA Homeless Services include:

• Outreach Program
• Aftercare Program
• Homeless Nutrition Program
• Winter Survival Programs (including Heat Team)
• USPS mail deliveries
• Street nursing and medical referrals
• Job referrals
• Permanent relocation assistance
• Housing Navigation

Centralized Intake (CI) at PHC for Homeless

Your Entry Point for Homeless Services in Polk County

What to Expect at CI:

1. Check-in:
   • Go to the reception desk.
   • Fill out a short intake form.
2. Eligibility and Waiting:
   • If eligible, wait in the lobby for a case manager.
   • Wait times can be up to 90 minutes.
3. Meeting with a Case Manager:
   • A case manager will assess your needs and refer you to programs and services.
   • Immediate assistance is not guaranteed due to limited resources.
4. Arrival Times:
   • Arrive by 8 AM to ensure you are seen that day.
   • If you arrive by 1 PM, you may not be seen the same day.

Special Considerations:
If you have a physical condition or a work schedule that prevents you from visiting during regular hours, call (515) 248-1850. There is no answering machine, so keep calling until you speak to a staff member.

DONATE ITEMS

PHC accepts new or gently used items for clients in need.  Items always needed include:

• socks
• underwear (men & women)
• shampoo
• soap
• period products
• toothpaste/toothbrush

Clothing, household linens, and seasonal clothing (coats, gloves, hats) are also accepted. In the summer months, mosquito repellant, bottled water, and sunscreen are also gratefully accepted. You may drop off your donation during normal business hours.  Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Emergency Assistance Housing Related: by appointment only.
  • limited rent and utilities for low-income residents of Jasper County who have received utility disconnects or rental evictions, as funds are available.
    • Must provide proof and no more than once per year. 
    • Must provide a copy of the rental agreement.
• Salvation Army Thrift Store: clothes, household items, and accepts donations. Volunteers neeed.
• Emergency Food Pantry is by appointment only. Accepts food and hygiene donations. 
  • Jasper County residents can use the emergency food pantry once every 30 days for canned goods, packaged foods, and other staples. Those wishing to use the pantry are required to complete a form provided by The Salvation Army as well as give identification, employment verification or paycheck stubs, a piece of current mail to validate residency, and Social Security cards for all members of the household. The food pantry may be closed for restocking two days a month.
  • Bread Line and Produce Giveaway: In Newton, Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Outside of Newton, check with your local food pantry.
    • Any Jasper County residents in need on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no income requirements.

Keywords: food, clothes, pantry, hungry, rent, homeless, household items, utility, eviction, bread

Polk County- The community crate