Iowa Overview
This page provides comprehensive information about resources, laws, and assistance programs available to individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship in Iowa.
Quick Facts
- State Population: 3.2 million
- Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 2,600 individuals experiencing homelessness (2024)
- State Homeless Assistance Funding: $18.9 million allocated through various programs
- Major Urban Centers: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City
- Primary Challenges: Rural homelessness, limited shelter capacity, mental health service gaps
Emergency Contact Numbers
Iowa Crisis Hotline
(855) 581-8111
Available 24/7
Housing Assistance
(515) 348-6886
Mon-Fri, 8am-4:30pm
Mental Health Support
(855) 800-1239
Available 24/7
Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 770-1650
Available 24/7
Local Resources
Find assistance in Iowa based on your specific needs:
The Sanctuary (Emergency Shelter)
Emergency shelter options throughout Iowa:
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
City: Des Moines
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene supplies
Requirements: Everyone welcome during day hours, residents only after hours
Phone: (515) 284-5719
Address: 1420 Mulberry St., Des Moines, IA 50309
Hours: Day services 7am-7pm daily
Shelter House
City: Iowa City
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene supplies
Requirements: Open to anyone experiencing homelessness
Phone: (319) 351-0326
Address: 429 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
Hours: 8am-5pm daily
Catholic Worker House
City: Des Moines
Services: Showers, hygiene supplies, clothing
Requirements: None
Phone: (515) 214-1030
Address: 1310 7th St., Des Moines, IA 50314
Hours: Call for current hours
Willis Dady Homeless Services
City: Cedar Rapids
Services: Showers, laundry, hygiene kits
Requirements: Open to clients experiencing homelessness
Phone: (319) 362-7555
Address: 1247 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Hours: 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri
The Guardian (Legal Aid & Rights)
Legal assistance, advocacy, and rights information in Iowa:
Iowa Legal Aid
City: Multiple offices statewide
Services: Free civil legal assistance, housing rights, benefits appeals
Requirements: Income eligibility, legal residency
ACLU of Iowa
City: Des Moines
Services: Civil rights advocacy, legal information
Requirements: None for information
Iowa Homeless Legal Clinic
City: Des Moines
Services: Free legal help focused on issues affecting homeless individuals
Requirements: Currently homeless or at risk
Phone: (515) 243-1193
Schedule: Weekly clinics at Central Iowa Shelter & Services
Disability Rights Iowa
City: Des Moines
Services: Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
Requirements: Must have a disability
The Providence (Government Benefits)
Government assistance programs and benefits available in Iowa:
Iowa Department of Human Services
Services: SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, TANF (cash assistance)
Requirements: Income and resource limits vary by program
Social Security Administration
Services: SSI, SSDI applications and management
Requirements: Age, disability, or blindness eligibility criteria
Iowa Finance Authority
Services: Housing assistance, rental programs, Section 8 vouchers
Requirements: Income limits, varies by program
Iowa LIHEAP
Services: Energy bill assistance, weatherization
Requirements: Income eligibility, typically 175% of federal poverty level
Phone: (515) 281-0859
Website: humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/liheap
Season: Applications typically Oct 1-Apr 30
The Shepherd (Faith-Based Services)
Faith-based organizations providing assistance in Iowa:
Catholic Charities
City: Multiple locations
Services: Emergency assistance, counseling, refugee services
Requirements: None based on religious affiliation
Lutheran Services in Iowa
City: Multiple locations
Services: Refugee services, mental health, crisis assistance
Requirements: None based on religious affiliation
St. Vincent de Paul Society
City: Multiple locations
Services: Emergency financial assistance, food pantries, thrift stores
Requirements: None based on religious affiliation
Salvation Army
City: Multiple locations
Services: Food pantries, emergency assistance, shelter in some locations
Requirements: None based on religious affiliation
Iowa Laws & Regulations
Understanding the legal landscape regarding homelessness in Iowa:
Camping & Sleeping in Public
Most Iowa municipalities have ordinances prohibiting camping in public places. Many cities enforce anti-camping and anti-loitering ordinances, though enforcement varies by location.
Example: Des Moines City Code Section 74-203 prohibits camping on public property without a permit.
Vehicle Dwelling
Iowa generally has restrictions against sleeping in vehicles in public areas, particularly in residential zones. Some municipalities have specific ordinances prohibiting living in vehicles on public streets.
Note: Enforcement varies widely by locality and individual officer discretion.
Food Sharing & Distribution
Iowa has relatively few restrictions on food sharing, although local health department regulations may apply to large-scale distributions. Permits may be required for food distribution in public parks.
Note: Organizations regularly serving food should check with local health departments about applicable regulations.
Property Rights & Seizure
Iowa localities must generally provide notice before clearing encampments. Personal property cannot be immediately destroyed and should be stored for retrieval, though practices vary by municipality.
Housing Rights
Iowa has state protections against discrimination in housing, including source of income protection in some localities. Some municipalities have additional tenant protections beyond state requirements.
State Statute: Iowa Code Chapter 216 (Iowa Civil Rights Act)
Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance regarding your rights in Iowa, the following organizations can help:
Iowa Legal Aid
Provides free civil legal services to low-income Iowans, including housing issues, public benefits, and consumer matters.
Phone: (800) 532-1275
Website: iowalegalaid.org
Drake Legal Clinic
Offers legal assistance through law students supervised by experienced attorneys, including housing and benefits cases.
Phone: (515) 271-3851
Website: drake.edu/law/clinics
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Provides legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, including housing protections.
Phone: (515) 244-8028
Website: icadv.org
Iowa Volunteer Lawyer Project
Network of volunteer attorneys providing pro bono legal services to Iowans with low incomes.
Phone: Access through Iowa Legal Aid
Website: Learn more
County-Specific Information
Laws, resources, and regulations can vary significantly by county in Iowa. Select a county to view specific information:
Polk County
County Seat: Des Moines
Population: 496,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 660 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Des Moines Municipal Code prohibits camping on public property without a permit (Section 74-203).
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Des Moines has ordinances restricting sleeping in vehicles on public streets, particularly overnight in residential areas.
- Panhandling: Non-aggressive panhandling is generally protected as free speech, though soliciting in roadways is prohibited.
- Food Distribution: Generally allowed, though permits may be required for large events in public parks.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Polk County:
Linn County
County Seat: Cedar Rapids
Population: 228,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 320 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Cedar Rapids prohibits camping in public places without authorization.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally prohibited in public areas and streets.
- Panhandling: Passive panhandling is generally protected; aggressive panhandling is prohibited.
- Food Distribution: May require permits in city parks or public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Linn County:
Johnson County
County Seat: Iowa City
Population: 156,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 180 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Iowa City prohibits camping in public places without a permit.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Restricted in most public areas.
- Panhandling: Non-aggressive panhandling is generally protected.
- Food Distribution: Typically allowed with proper permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Johnson County:
Scott County
County Seat: Davenport
Population: 172,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 230 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Davenport prohibits camping in public places without authorization.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally restricted on public streets and in parks.
- Panhandling: Non-aggressive panhandling is generally protected, though there are restrictions in certain areas.
- Food Distribution: May require permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Scott County:
Black Hawk County
County Seat: Waterloo
Population: 131,000
Homelessness Statistics: Approximately 140 people experiencing homelessness
Local Ordinances
- Camping: Waterloo and Cedar Falls prohibit unauthorized camping in public places.
- Sleeping in Vehicles: Generally restricted in public areas.
- Panhandling: Non-aggressive panhandling is generally protected.
- Food Distribution: May require permits for public spaces.
County Resources
Key resources specific to Black Hawk County:
Success Stories from Iowa
Read about individuals who have found hope and assistance through GRACE and our partner organizations in Iowa:
Robert's Journey
After losing his job and apartment in Cedar Rapids, Robert lived in his car for nearly four months during a harsh Iowa winter. Through outreach workers at Willis Dady Homeless Services, he connected with rapid rehousing assistance and employment support services.
"The winter nights were brutal, but the outreach team found me and helped me get into a warming center. From there, they helped me apply for housing assistance and connected me with job training. Now I have a stable apartment and a job in manufacturing that pays well enough to keep me housed."
Resources that helped: Outreach Services, Rapid Rehousing Program, Employment Training, Winter Warming Center
Sarah and Jamie's Journey
Sarah and her 8-year-old daughter Jamie became homeless after fleeing domestic violence in a small rural Iowa town. With limited resources in their home community, they came to Des Moines seeking help and found support through Central Iowa Shelter & Services' family program.
"We left with just the clothes on our backs. The shelter gave us safety and stability while we worked with a case manager who helped us get into transitional housing. Jamie is now thriving in her new school, and I'm working full-time and saving for our own place."
Resources that helped: Emergency Shelter, Domestic Violence Services, Transitional Housing, School Liaison Program
Have a success story to share? We'd love to hear how resources in Iowa have helped you.
Share Your StoryState-Specific Programs
Special initiatives and programs available specifically in Iowa to assist those experiencing homelessness:
Iowa Finance Authority Homelessness Programs
Type: Housing Assistance
Eligibility: Varies by specific program; generally for those experiencing homelessness or at risk
Benefits: Rental assistance, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing
How to Apply: Through local housing agencies or by calling 211
Balance of State Continuum of Care
Type: Coordinated Homeless Services
Eligibility: Individuals and families experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Coordinated entry system connecting people to appropriate housing and services
How to Apply: Call 211 or visit a participating service provider
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR)
Type: Benefits Assistance
Eligibility: Individuals experiencing homelessness who may qualify for disability benefits
Benefits: Assistance applying for Social Security disability benefits with higher approval rates
How to Apply: Through participating homeless service providers
Interactive Resource Map
Find resources in Iowa based on your location:
Enable location services to find resources near you, or select a city below:
Interactive Map Placeholder
In the full implementation, this would display an interactive map showing:
- • Shelter locations
- • Food banks and meal services
- • Health clinics
- • Safe parking areas
- • Hygiene facilities
- • Government service offices
- • Angel Outreach partners