Basic Needs

CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Crisis & Safety Services, Health, Human Services, Legal Services, Service Organizations, Youth Services
AUDIENCE: Adults, All Ages, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
211 is a free, comprehensive information system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.   24 Hour Crisis Line - (5 ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, so that they may solve their common problem, and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership i ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Women's Health
AUDIENCE: Adults, School Age
Alpha Women’s Center is a pro-life pregnancy resource center with a heart for the woman suspecting that she might be pregnant. We want to help with some of those material and practical challenges, as well as offering support and instructio ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Civic Groups, Community
AUDIENCE: Adults
The American Legion, commonly known as the Legion, is a nonprofit organization of U.S. war veterans.  It was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. I ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, General Health, Health, Special Needs
AUDIENCE: Early Childhood, School Age
**IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY PLEASE USE YOUR PHONE AND CALL 911** Blank Children's Hospital is part of the UnityPoint Health organization.  They have a focus on the special needs of developing bodies and their needs. Their Areas of Excel ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food
AUDIENCE: School Age
Booster Pak provides food for the weekends and personal care products to at risk students in the West Des Moines School District. Booster Pak's mission is to help at risk students in the West Des Moines School District reach their fullest po ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, General Health, Health, Mental Health, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: Adults, All Ages, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
**IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY PLEASE USE YOUR PHONE AND CALL 911**  The Broadlawns Medical Center campus includes an acute care hospital, emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services, lab and radiology services, mental health services ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clothing, Crisis & Safety Services, Food, Housing, Human Services, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Mental Health, Service Organizations, Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Catholic Charities serves the people of southwest Iowa when they find themselves in need of help. From basic needs of food and shelter, to empowerment programs that lead to housing, employment, and more. Professional counseling services help to ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clothing, Crisis & Safety Services, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults
Central Iowa Shelter & Services' Mission is to provide low-barrier shelter, meals and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness and to facilitate their move toward self-sufficiency.
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Human Services, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Early Childhood, School Age
The program subsidizes the cost of child care for eligible low-income families that meet income requirements and need child care to work or participate in approved education or training, including Promise Jobs. The Program also provides protecti ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Parent Education
AUDIENCE: Adults
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a program to train and support quality child care throughout the state of Iowa. Child Care Consultants provide consultation to licensed preschools, Child Care Centers (CCC), nonregistered Ch ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Crisis & Safety Services, Employment, Health, Mental Health, Parent Education, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Children & Families of Iowa is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring hope, building futures and changing lives throughout Iowa. Children & Families of Iowa is restoring hope for victims of domestic violence, helping te ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Connection Cafe serves lunch five days a week to homeless and low income individuals and families in downtown Des Moines. Under the direction of a paid coordinator, volunteers from more than 50 churches, schools and civic groups donate and s ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clothing, Housing, Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
CROSS Outreach operates as a non-profit agency focused on preventing homelessness and providing for other critical needs of at-risk people. Picture the under-employed single mother struggling to make ends meet in a challenging economy; ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Community, Employment, Food, Health, Housing, Mental Health, Special Needs
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Accept applications for food assistance (food stamps), financial assistance (FIP), child care assistance, and Medicaid/Title 19. All Spanish applications are submitted to the Carpenter Avenue office. Please call to see which office serves wh ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Transportation
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) operates a family of transportation services that make getting around Greater Des Moines easier and more convenient. Our fleet of 90 buses travel more than 15,000 miles daily throughout the r ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) manages a Food Pantry Network consisting of 14 separate partnering food pantry sites, a Mobile Food Pantry, two food warehouses, and numerous community supporters. The DMARC Food Pantr ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Mental Health
AUDIENCE: Adults, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is one of the largest counseling groups in central Iowa, serving over 2,200 clients annually. Established in 1972 as an independent, not-for-profit organization, the Center’s multidisciplinary staf ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clothing, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults
Dress for Success Des Moines is a not-for-profit organization that offers services to help our clients enter the workforce and stay employed. Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, but have one thing in common: they are all seeking employmen ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Care & Supportive Services, Health, Mental Health, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: Adults, School Age
Employee & Family Resources (EFR), a non-profit organization, offers including mental health support to families in the WDMCS District. The Student Assistance Program is available to our district families 24 hours a day, 7 day ...
CATEGORY: Aging Resources, Basic Needs, Care & Supportive Services, Childcare, Clothing, Health, Human Services, Service Organizations, Special Needs
AUDIENCE: All Ages
EveryStep, formerly HCI Care Services & Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa, is one of the oldest and largest non-profit organizations in the state. When Iowans face life’s most difficult moments, EveryStep offers support and empowerment i ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food
AUDIENCE: Adults, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
The Food Bank of Iowa has two partner locations in West Des Moines, Commerce Community Church and Eddie Davis Community Center. Check the website under mobile pantry calendar for days and times.  At each mobile pantry distribution, one ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
Provide support to individuals with gambling addictions. Multiple group locations in the Des Moines Area. Contact MECCA Services for locations and times.
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Clothing, Food, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Since 1915, Hope Ministries has faithfully served people in Central Iowa experiencing homelessness, hunger, abuse or addiction. Our rescue services offer safe shelter, nutritious meals, free clothing and more, and our long-term life recovery pro ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations, Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
IMPACT is a non-profit organization that looks to support families living in poverty.  They offer assistance in : Utility, Emergency Rental Assistance, Disaster and Food needs. In addition they partner with others to offer more resourc ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults, School Age
ITS offers both oral interpretation and written translation. Legal - depositions, trials, arbitration, insurance claims, etc, Business - conferences, negotiations, technical training, etc, Medical - hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing hom ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Housing, Service Organizations, Utilities, Youth Services
AUDIENCE: Adults, School Age
Iowa Aftercare Services Network (IASN)  services are designed to help youth successfully transition from foster care to adulthood by providing encouragement, stability, guidance, and the opportunity to a build a positive future. IASN ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Legal Services, Mental Health, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
This website lists and links available resources for legal, finance, stress and disaster needs.  There is a email form on the website, and a 24 hour a day hotline as well. 
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Ethnic & Cultural Organizations, Housing, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Service Organizations, Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Iowa Department of Human Rights advocates for underrepresented Iowans and fosters hope within our communities by educating individuals, businesses and government entities about the needs, rights and responsibilities of all Iowans. As a state ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Community, General Health, Health, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Service Organizations, Special Needs
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Division of Community Advocacy and Services (CAS) streamlines access to services offered by the State of Iowa for specific underserved populations.  We are the vital connection between Iowa's diverse communities and the programs, ev ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations, Utilities, Youth Services
AUDIENCE: School Age
The Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (CJJP) is within the Department of Human Rights and carries out research, policy analysis, program development and data analysis activities to improve the operation and effect ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Crisis & Safety Services, General Health, Health, Housing, Human Services, Mental Health, Service Organizations, Special Needs , Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The state of Iowa has a Human Services Department that houses many different service programs within it. To learn more about the programs, please see the website.  The list of services provided or supported include:  SNAP, Food-Rel ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Housing, Utilities
AUDIENCE: All Ages
At the Iowa Finance Authority, we turn small actions into big reactions. From mortgage or down payment assistance and rental programs that provide affordable homes, to low-cost funds for drinking water. Rental resources include: Aftercare ren ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Crisis & Safety Services, Food, Housing, Mental Health, Service Organizations, Youth Services
AUDIENCE: Adults, School Age
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC) works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth, and young families in Central Iowa. We believe, with support and assistance, homeless youth can attain self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty. Th ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Mental Health
The Teen Line is a toll-free number for adolescents and adults working with adolescents. Information is provided on health and relationship concerns and related resources. The line is free, confidential, and answered 24 hours a da ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, General Health, Health
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Iowa Total Care, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation (Centene), is a managed care organization that provides healthcare services and Iowa state-sponsored health insurance plans through local, regional and community-based resources. Our team is ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Education, Employment, Tutoring
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults, School Age
IWD is a state agency committed to providing employment services for individual job seekers through our IowaWORKS partnership. Employers and businesses can post jobs, hire veterans and apply for qualifying federal tax credits.  Th ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Health, Special Needs , Transportation
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Joy Ride Transport was established in 2010. Since its inception, Joy Ride has formed a reputation, among its clients, for being the most reliable and compassionate wheelchair and special needs transportation company in the Greater Des Moines met ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Care & Supportive Services, Health, Mental Health, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
MakeTheConnection.net is an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.  There are millions of Veteran ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Crisis & Safety Services, Health, Mental Health, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: All Ages
NAMI Iowa's mission is to raise public awareness and concern about mental illness, to foster research, to improve treatment and to upgrade the system of care for the people of Iowa. We work to support our mission through education, advocacy, ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Crisis & Safety Services, Housing, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults, School Age
The Supportive Services department of Primary Health Care (PHC) provides centralized Intake, homeless veterans services, a clothing closet and showers. The PHC also provides many other affordable health care services, including HIV & STI te ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, General Health, Health, Women's Health
AUDIENCE: Adults, All Ages, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people worldwide. Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. is a registered nonprofit. To learn more about contraception, STD care&nbs ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clothing, Food, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations, Utilities
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
General Assistance provides temporary assistance with basic and special needs to eligible Polk County residents. Individuals and families who are at risk due to a temporary crisis and/or a mental or physical incapacity and who meet income guidel ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
Proteus provides agricultural workers and their families with affordable health care, education assistance, and job training.  Under the Department of Labor’s National Farmworkers Job Program, Proteus staff in Iowa promote access to ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Clive, Clothing, Food, Service Organizations, Substance Use
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Capital Iowa Area Salvation Army has been in Des Moines since 1887. Our mission is to meet human needs in the name of Jesus Christ without discrimination. 
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Immigrant & Refugee Services, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The USCRI Des Moines Field Office has welcomed over 4,000 refugees from around the world to Central Iowa since 2010. Refugees resettled in Central Iowa primarily come from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Iraq, ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Employment, Ethnic & Cultural Organizations, Health, Mental Health, Service Organizations
AUDIENCE: All Ages
Urban Dreams advocates for all members of the community, breaking down barriers to success and collaborating with key stakeholders to overcome obstacles and uplift underserved and underrepresented people.  Urban Dreams programs include ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Food
AUDIENCE: All Ages
The Urbandale Food Pantry is a collaborative community effort to reach out to our neighbors to provide food assistance with dignity and compassion. Must have piece of mail with current address. Need a photo ID. Each member of the family who wil ...
CATEGORY: Aging Resources, Basic Needs, Health, Housing, Mental Health, Special Needs
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
Many benefit resources are available to US Veterans and families.  Please see the website for a comprehensive list. Re-adjustment counseling for veterans and families. Assistance in getting VA benefits. Appointments are welcomed but not req ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, Childcare, Education, Parent Education, Rec & Leisure, Youth Activities, Youth Sports
AUDIENCE: Adults, Early Childhood, Older Adults, School Age
WDMCS Community Education is the outreach department of the WDMCS. We provide opportunities for learning, service, and fun to people of all ages. We look to serve the needs of our community by connecting people, ideas, and resources.  They ...
CATEGORY: Aging Resources, Basic Needs, Care & Supportive Services, Food, Health, Special Needs , Transportation
AUDIENCE: Adults, Older Adults
At Wesley Life, we serve older adults.  We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live a life of continued experience, engagement, and meaning, regardless of physical, social, or economic circumstances. The second half of life ...
CATEGORY: Basic Needs, City , Clothing, Food, Health, Housing, Human Services, Service Organizations, Utilities, West Des Moines
AUDIENCE: All Ages
West Des Moines Human Services has been assisting low-income, elderly, and disabled residents since 1979. We currently provide assistance to over 1,600 households in West Des Moines and surrounding western suburbs. We offer emergency assistance ...