211 Iowa
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Iowa. Dial 211 or call 800 244 7431.
Official page: 211iowa.org
Find Help Near You in Iowa
Free, private help lines for Iowa, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Iowa who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local community action agency. They take energy help applications and may know about emergency help when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. Every Iowa county is served by a community action agency, and many counties also run general assistance for people in a hard spot. In the Des Moines area, IMPACT Community Action Partnership and Polk County can help you look at options. In Eastern Iowa, HACAP and your county's social services office are good places to start.
Official page: iowacommunityaction.org, 211iowa.org
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Call Iowa Legal Aid at 800 532 1503, and they'll connect you to the office for your area.
Official page: iowalegalaid.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps Iowa households who qualify with heating bills. You apply through your local community action agency. The program has a sign up window each year, so check the dates and ask early.
Official page: hhs.iowa.gov
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Iowa Civil Rights Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: icrc.iowa.gov
How do I find my community action agency?
Dial 211, or use the map at iowacommunityaction.org.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Iowa
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Your local Iowa HHS county office
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has local offices across Iowa. They take applications for SNAP, FIP, Medicaid and energy help, and can point you to local help.
Official page: hhs.iowa.gov
Iowa LIHEAP (energy help)
Help with heating bills for households who qualify, through your local community action agency. Each part of the program has its own sign up window, so it helps to ask early.
Official page: hhs.iowa.gov
Iowa Community Action Association
Lists the community action agencies across Iowa. Local agencies may help with energy bills, emergency needs, job training and Head Start when funds allow.
Official page: iowacommunityaction.org
Iowa Legal Aid
Statewide civil legal help for Iowans with low incomes facing legal problems with housing, benefits, family safety and more.
Official page: iowalegalaid.org
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
The state office that investigates reports of housing discrimination and civil rights violations.
Official page: icrc.iowa.gov
Iowa Finance Authority
Information for renters, including housing search resources, renter programs and links to local housing help. You can also look for rentals around the state on the Iowa Housing Search site.
Official page: iowafinance.com, iowahousingsearch.org
IMPACT Community Action Partnership
Help for people in the Des Moines metro area with utility bills, rent help when funds allow, and emergency needs.
Official page: impactcap.org
Polk County Community Services
General assistance, rent and utility help and referrals for Polk County residents.
Official page: polkcountyiowa.gov
Linn County Community Services
General assistance, social services and emergency help referrals for Linn County residents.
Official page: linncountyiowa.gov
Scott County Community Services
General assistance, emergency help and referrals for Scott County residents.
Official page: scottcountyiowa.gov
Black Hawk County Social Services
General assistance, emergency help and referrals for Black Hawk County residents.
Official page: blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
Dubuque County Community Services
General assistance, emergency help and referrals for Dubuque County residents.
Official page: dubuquecountyiowa.gov
Woodbury County Social Services
General assistance, emergency help and referrals for Woodbury County and Sioux City residents.
Official page: woodburycountyiowa.gov
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Dubuque
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could ask your community action agency about energy help. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call Iowa Legal Aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Ottumwa. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call your community action agency and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for other local programs, and call legal aid if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (county)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 26, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Iowa
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.