Community Resources

Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit their local Veterans Affairs Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA staff are ready to help. 

Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA services.

Hope Ministries provides food, clothing, shelter, and life recovery programs for men women and children out of seven ministry centers around Des Moines.

Phone: 515-244-5445 (for Men)
Phone: 515-264-0144 (for Women and Children)

ICAN provides free career and college planning accessible for all Iowa students.

To schedule an appointment call (877) 272-4692. 

Central Iowa Addresses:
Des Moines Area Community College 
2006 S. Ankeny Blvd - Building 5
Ankeny, IA 50023

Consumer Credit of Des Moines
6129 SW 63rd St
Des Moines, IA 50321

ImmigrationHelp is a nonprofit that has helped millions of immigrants answer their questions, understand their options, and check their eligibility for immigration benefits.

Reduces the barriers and burdens that families in poverty experience by increasing access to essential needs by offering energy, food, disaster, and housing assistance. Impact also offers other programs at specific locations, and resource navigation assistance to help patrons find the services they need.

Impact Polk County (Drake Neighborhood): 3226 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

Phone: (515) 518-4770

The mission of the Iowa Asian Alliance is to unite diverse Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities with the purpose of fostering economic growth and broader community development within the state of Iowa.

Their vision is to create an Iowa in which Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are an integral part of a vibrant and prosperous community.

Phone: (515) 770-1026

The Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral provides services that help parents make informed choices about the care of their children. Their website includes a child care search section available directly here.

Iowa Compass connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

Phone: 800-779-2001

The Iowa International Center site is a guide for new Iowans and non-English speakers to connect with the resources needed to transition to life to Iowa.

Phone: (515) 282-8269

Volunteer lawyers provide legal services to about 2,000 low income Iowans each year.

Legal Hotline for Older Iowans: (800) 992-8161 

Central Iowa Toll Free: (800) 532-1503

The Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled provides books and other materials in alternative formats to Iowa residents who are unable to read standard print materials. Thousands of books are available in a variety of formats: Braille, large print, digital audio, recordings, print/Braille, descriptive video, and electronic text mailed to your home. Registered readers may also download audio and Braille books and magazines online.

Phone: 515-281-1333, Toll-free: 800-362-2587  

The Iowa Mediation Service was founded in 1985 as a non-profit organization dedicated to solutions for farmers, families, and anyone who may find themselves in need of a dispute resolution expert. Mediation provides a low-cost, low-risk solution to resolving financial, property, or personal conflicts.

Phone: (515) 331-8081