Help in Iowa
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 18 places in Iowa, most of them in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Davenport, plus 10 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (11) and leaving homelessness (11).
Iowa Non-Driver ID Card
Iowa DOT issues non-driver ID cards at DMV service centers and county treasurer offices. Bring proof of identity, residence and Social Security number; the card arrives by mail within 30 days.
Iowa HHS Self-Service Portal (SNAP, Medicaid, FIP)
Single online application for SNAP food assistance, Medicaid and FIP cash assistance in Iowa. Apply at hhsservices.iowa.gov or call the department's general line.
211 Iowa
Free referral line that points Iowans to food, shelter, utility help and other local programs. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code; live chat runs seven days a week.
Bureau of Refugee Services
Federally funded state office that works with resettlement agencies on employment, cash assistance, legal services, interpretation and refugee support services for newly arrived refugees in Iowa.
Iowa Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for low-income Iowans, including housing, family and benefits matters. Phone intake runs limited morning and afternoon windows; apply online if you have no hearing in the next week.
Iowa Vital Records
State office that issues certified Iowa birth certificates. Order online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at the Lucas Building; a $20 nonrefundable search fee applies per record and cash is not accepted.
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
Low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter and meals at no cost for men and women in Des Moines, with case managers who work toward permanent housing. The campus also has 81 efficiency apartments for voucher holders, including units set aside for veterans.
Hope Ministries
Des Moines rescue mission serving free meals, safe shelter and a residential life recovery program for men, women and children. Call the main line to ask about getting in.
Willis Dady Homeless Services
Cedar Rapids emergency shelter with 35 beds for single men, 10 for veterans, and apartments for single women or families, plus case management and employment help. Shelter entry goes through Waypoint's coordinated entry voicemail line, not the shelter door.
Waypoint
Cedar Rapids nonprofit running the Linn County housing coordinated entry line and a 24/7 domestic violence resource and support line. Housing callers are screened and routed to shelter or rental help; DV advocates offer support groups and safety planning.
Humility Homes & Services
Davenport's emergency shelter and housing agency for single adults and families, with a separate line for veterans. Help is available around the clock by phone or the online Get Help form.
National lines that work in Iowa
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.