Community Resources

Polk County Emergency Home Repairs 515-875-5566
Emergency Home Repair Program that provides needed repairs to owner-occupied single family dwellings and mobile homes located throughout Polk County.

Energy Crisis Intervention Payments (ECIP) 515-518-4770
The Housing Services Division works in conjunction with IMPACT Community Action Partnership to assist homeowners with repairing or replacing furnaces during the heating season throughout Polk County.  Polk County Housing Services staff conducts the initial evaluation of the furnace, hires licensed mechanical contractor to complete the work, and inspects work for quality control measures. If your furnace would stop working in the winter months and apply for this program. Contact IMPACT Community Action Partnership

Impact Community Action Agency 515-518-4770
Weatherization (in DSM), furnace repairs/replacement, home repair after disaster

Weatherization Assistance 515-281-3861
The Housing Services Division operates a Weatherization Assistance Program that provides services to homeowners and renters residing in Polk County (includes all cities within Polk County) to assist with reducing energy usage and energy bills. These services are free of charge to clients and eligibility is based upon household income.

Polk County Housing Services of Planning and Development 515-286-3356
The Housing Services Division operates an Emergency Home Repair Program that provides needed repairs to owner-occupied single-family dwellings and mobile homes located throughout Polk County.

Rebuilding Together 515-284-7403
Examples of home repairs that may be provided: repairing or replacing flooring, windows, steps, wheelchair ramps, stabilizing a shower, kitchen cabinet installs, removal and install of back steps, landscaping, and repainting of exterior and many more. The home must be owned by the applicant and cannot be valued over $240,000 and no liens against the property.

City of Des Moines Ion Program 515-283-4180
ION aims to strengthen and revitalize neighborhoods, keep residents in their homes, and keep their homes from deteriorating beyond repair. This program is 100% voluntary. To accomplish this goal, the collaboration between ION staff and property owners is at the heart of this program. Financial assistance of up to $40,000 is available on a first-come, first-serve basis as funding allows. Qualified applicants are property owners whose income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Polk County.  Funding is determined once repairs are identified by an ION inspector as critical repairs.

Neighborhood Finance 515-246-0010
Our loans have no income restrictions. The home must be located in one of our lending areas. A forgivable loan of up to $10,000 can be used to help pay for property repairs and improvements on the home you purchase or on a current home. The loan is forgivable if you stay in the home for five years and is paired with a repayable loan.

Metro Home Improvement Program 515-273-0770 
Assistance is for housing repairs and correcting code violations. The awards are in the form of a five-year forgivable loan to eligible households with income less than 80% of the area median income. Eligible property types are single family dwellings and do not include mobile homes, homes being purchased on contract, duplexes or rental units. The house assisted must be the primary residence of the applicant. Altoona, Ankeny, Clive, Johnston, Grimes, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, West Des Moines and Windsor Heights

USDA Rural Housing Repair Program 515-284-4444
Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Rock the Block® 515-471-8686
Program through Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. Provides low-income homeowners with need home repairs, maintenance, weatherization, safety, accessibility, and beautification of their homes.

ReStore Discount Home Improvement Centers 515-309-0224
Provided by Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity. Sells new and gently used home improvement materials to the public at discounted prices.

Des Moines Water Works 515-283-8700
Set up services or report problems regarding City of Des Moines water and sewer.

City of Des Moines Public Works 515-283-4950 (24/7 Call Center)
Report: sewer back up on property, potholes and streets in need of attention, a sidewalk that has not been shoveled within 24 hours, diseased or dying trees near public sidewalks, street or public parking. Information on garbage, yard waste, and recycling.

Metro Waste Authority 515-244-0021
Provides city dump information and recycling guides.

Mid-American Energy 515-244-0021
Provides gas and electric services in Central Iowa.

Attorney General, Office of Consumer Advocates (Utilities) 515-725-7200
Investigates the legality of utility rates and practices.

Iowa Utilities Board 515-725-7300
Regulatory utility experts that investigate utility companies and billing complaints.

IMPACT Community Action Partnership/LIHEAP 248-6216
Apply for energy assistance, weatherization, and furnace repairs.

Iowa Department of Human Services 515-286-3555
Apply for state food assistance, the family investment program and state medical assistance.

Polk County General Assistance 515-286-2088
Provides rent and utility assistance and city bus transportation tokens to qualifying clients.

Polk County Centralized Intake for Homeless Prevention 1-866-599-3155
Provides homeless intake services to be considered for housing assistance.

West Des Moines Human Services 515-222-3660
Provides financial assistance and food pantries for West Des Moines residents.

Salvation Army 515-282-3422
Provides funds as available to help families with rent, food, utilities, and clothing.

St. Vincent de Paul 515-282-8328
Provides funds as available to help families with rent, food, utilities, and clothing.

Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families 515-697-7700
Assists with career goals and financial stability.

City of Des Moines Police Non-Emergency 515-283-4811

City of Des Moines Des Moines Police, Vice and Narcotics 515-283-4830
Report suspicious drug activity.

Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services 515-286-3600
Provides assistance to victims of crime in Polk County.

Polk County Small Claims Court 515-286-3800
Located at 222 SW 5th, Des Moines, IA 50309
File legal disputes under $5,000. Handles legal disputes such as evictions, wage garnishments, and forcible entry and detainer.

Attorney General, Consumer Protection Office 515-281-5926
File a complaint of fraud, deception, and unfair business practices.

Better Business Bureau 1-800-222-1600
File a complaint or request to review business practices.

Report Child or Dependent Adult Abuse 1-800-362-2178
Report tips of abuse anonymously.

Drake Legal Clinic 515-271-3851

Iowa Legal Aid 1-800-532-1503 or 515-243-1193
Provides legal assistance to income-qualified persons.

Department of Veterans Affairs 515-699-5637
Provides healthcare, education, employment, and benefit assistance to veterans.

Iowa Compass Center for Disabilities and Development 1-800-779-2001
A resource database for Iowans with disabilities and service providers.

Aging Resources of Central Iowa 515-255-1310 or 1-800-747-5352
Information and referral assistance for persons 60 years of age or older and their caregivers.

Polk County Senior Services 515-286-3679
Provides community and dining centers for people aged 60 and older.

Report Child or Dependent Adult Abuse 1-800-362-2178
Report tips of abuse anonymously.

DART 515-283-8100
City bus and bus line transportation information.

Iowa International Center 515-282-8269 ext. 5
Provides interpretation services for landlords and tenants to communicate.

Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission 515-283-4284
File a housing complaint regarding discrimination.

Iowa Civil Rights Commission 515-281-4121
Enforces state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

Polk County Health Department 515-286-3798
Information on immunizations and health resources.

United Way 2-1-1 211
Offers free referrals to community resources.