Other resources

Many other community resources are available at no cost to you. Please contact us if you need help getting connected.

    • 211 - Connects Iowa residents to community resources, health and human services, and governmental programs. You can call 211 or text with a staff member to get help with basic needs, mental health resources, health resources, employment support, disaster services, support for families, support for older Americans or those with disabilities, and support for veterans, military members, and their dependents.

    • LIHEAP - The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program helps low-income families meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to the heating utility.

    • Community Fridges - Publicly accessible refrigerators are stocked with free food in multiple locations throughout the Des Moines Metro.

    • DMARC Food Pantries - Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) provides a network of food pantries and mobile food pantry sites throughout the Des Moines Metro.

    • Extra Food for Seniors - The Commodity Supplemental Food program includes free nonperishable foods and nutrition education to low income seniors age 60+ in Polk County; delivery is free for those with transportation barriers.

    • Meals on Wheels - Provides free or low-cost nutritious meals to adults over age 60 and adults living with developmental disabilities who have challenges with grocery shopping or meal preparation.

    • SNAP - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.

    • WIC - The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant women and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.

    • FCI - Free Clinics of Iowa (FCI) provides free basic healthcare services to Iowa residents; multiple locations are offered throughout the Des Moines Metro.

    • Hawki - The Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program offers health insurance for uninsured children of working families.

    • CISS - Central Iowa Services & Shelter (CISS) provides low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services to adults in need of housing assistance.

    • 988 - The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Polk County is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7. You can call, text, or chat with a trained crisis counselor.

    • AFSP - The America Foundation of Suicide Prevention works to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.

    • EFR - Employee & Family Resources (EFR) provides free short-term therapy services for Johnston School District students, families, and employees.

    • NAMI Iowa - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)’s Iowa chapter provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

    • Count the Kicks - Provides an easy, free, reliable way for expectant parents to monitor their baby’s well-being in the third trimester, in addition to regular prenatal visits.

    • Mary’s Helping Hands - Provides diapers, maternity clothing, baby clothing, baby hygiene, and nursery items for expecting families or with a young child under age 2.

    • UnityPoint Health and Blank Children’s Hospital - Offers free birth and baby care classes, both in person and online.

    • The Iowa Center for Economic Success - Offers free tax preparation services for people making $67,000 or less and provides specialized assistance for people with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.