Resources
How To Access Housing and Resources
Polk County offers a Centralized Intake approach to homelessness resources, via our partner at Primary Health Care. This means there is a coordinated approach to securing homelessness services so people don’t have to repeatedly relive/restate their trauma to access help. At Primary Health Care, clients complete an intake assessment to help resolve their homelessness and help staff better understand their strengths and needs. Individuals/families may be referred to a case manager, shelter, housing opportunities, mental/physical health assessments, specialists, benefits, or other agencies for further assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Polk County and in need of support, contact Primary Health Care at 515-248-1850 or by visiting 1200 University Ave. Des Moines, IA from Monday- Friday, 8:00 am-4:00 pm. For help after hours, call 2-1-1.
View a downloadable flyer with additional Centralized Intake information here.
Housing Vouchers
The Polk County Community currently has opportunities for Mainstream and Housing Choice Vouchers for residents experiencing homelessness. To learn more and determine eligibility, residents can contact Primary Health Care at 515-248-1850 or 1200 University Ave.
Community Resources
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.
COVID-19 and Health 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
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
Eviction Prevention
Where To Go For Help
If you are struggling to pay rent during in the wake of
COVID-19, there is funding available to help!
View this document and reach out to the organizations in the order they're listed to find the resources right for you.
For translation help, call 515-282-8269 Ext. 5
View the funding resources in video form for landlords and tenants.
Prevention Of Homelessness
COVID-19 has had dire consequences on our community’s ability to maintain safe, stable housing. In response, our community has established partnerships to support residents, renters, and landlords. View the documents below for information about renters’ rights and community resources to prevent evictions during this time:
• Eviction Prevention Information for Polk County
• SPANISH Eviction Prevention Information for Polk County
• Eviction Information for Landlords
Homeward has also partnered with EMBARC to create translations of the information in a variety of languages to serve Polk County.