Community Resources
The lingering impact of COVID-19 has presented significant challenges to the Polk County community, especially for our homeless response system. Homeward is here to serve as a hub for information and community collaboration. In an effort to help, we have compiled a list of resources below to assist community residents as they navigate this challenging time.
Evictions, Rental Assistance, and Family Support
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Iowa Legal Aid Eviction Prevention Help Desk Information
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IMPACT Emergency Rental Assistance Support
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Des Moines Public Schools Community Resources
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DMARC Food Pantry Network
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DCAT Refugee, Food, Work, and Shelter Guide (Updated April 2023)
Youth Support
Youth who are over 18 have access to the same resources that individual adults can access, however, those who are under 25 often have access to additional resources pending their individual situation. Additional resources are listed below:
Iowa Homeless Youth Center Youth Opportunity Center, 612 Locust St., Des Moines, IA
Iowa Aftercare Services Network
LGBT National Youth Talkline (800-246-7743)
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Health Information
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Iowa Department of Public Health COVID-19 Resources
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Flu Information for Polk County
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HUD Homelessness and COVID-19 Resources
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Polk County Health Department Information
Language and Translation Resources
• RACI and Lutheran Services in Iowa, in partnership with 211, Polk County Heath Department, and the Iowa Department of Public Health, have launched a new hotline that will help expand access and capacity to Iowans who are limited in English at 1-877-558-2609.
• Housing Interpretation Hotline for landlords and limited-English-speaking tenants at 515-282-8269, Ext. 5.
• EMBARC Crisis Response COVID-19 education resources in 10 different languages