How can we help?
Homelessness
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please dial 2-1-1 and contact a homeless service provider in your area.
- Dial 2-1-1. Press 6 for homeless services.
**If you are unable to get a response from 2-1-1 or receive a message that the service is not available from your location, you may go to: https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211 and enter your zip code to find the number for your local office. - Call (515) 248-1850 to find help in Polk County
- Call (833) 739-0065 to find help outside of Polk County Iowa
- Find Help by Zipcode.
- Contact a homeless service provider
- Search justshelter.org to find community organizations working to preserve affordable housing, prevent eviction and reduce family homelessness
- Veterans:
Contact the VA medical center near you and mention your interest in Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or find instructions for contacting the National Homeless Veteran Call Center here. You may also call the Veterans Affairs Emergency Housing Hotline for assistance at (877) 424-3838 - Persons Experiencing Violence:
Iowa Injury and Violence Prevention Program
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233
Iowa Victim Call Center (800) 770-1650 or text "IOWAHELP" TO 20121
Affordable Places to Live
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Use the HUD Resource Locator to find affordable housing opportunities near you.
**Please note, the HUD Resource Locator does not show property vacancy. Please call the management company to inquire about vacancies, wait lists or the application process.- HUD does not have applications for these properties.
- HUD does not have information about the vacancies in these properties.
- HUD does not maintain waiting lists.
- Speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Contact your Local Public Housing Authority to inquire about information about public housing programs (Housing Choice Vouchers HUD Facts, Public Housing).
Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts in Iowa or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority. - Information for Aging Services
- Information for Disability Services
- Information for Persons Experiencing Violence
- Information for Children and Families Experiencing Violence
- Information for Veterans
- Information for Iowa VA Resources
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
A tax credit property is owned by a developer or landlord who participates in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program run by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). These owners can claim tax credits for renting some or all units to low- or moderate- income tenants at restricted rent. LIHTC rents are not based on tenant's income but instead set by the use restriction tied to the unit. Note: LIHTC owners accept Section 8 voucher tenants.
To be eligible for an affordable unit in a LIHTC property, you must make no more than the income limit for that unit. LIHTC rents are not based on your income, but instead is set by the use restrictions tied to the unit.
To get further information on LIHTC properties, contact the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) at (800) 432-7230, or visit their website. - USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Multifamily Housing programs assists rural property owners through loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers.
To search for RD Multifamily Housing Rentals in Iowa, visit:
Rural Development Multi-Family Housing Rentals - Local Listings
Visit Iowa Housing Search to Find Affordable Housing
- The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply to contractors and subcontractors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works. Find more information on Davis Bacon Labor Standards.
- Section 3 is a means by which HUD fosters local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. Section 3 is the legal basis for providing jobs for residents and awarding contracts to businesses in areas receiving certain types of HUD financial assistance. Find more information on Section 3.
- Information on HUD's Office of Multifamily Housing Programs
- For a list of Approved Lenders please visit HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs for a Multifamily Accelerated Processing (MAP) Approved Lender
- The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Learn more about the Community Development Block Grant Program
- Call (402) 492-3145 to contact the Office of Community Planning and Development
- The Housing Trust Fund (HTF) provides grants to states to produce and preserve affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households. States and state-designated entities are eligible grantees for the HTF. HUD allocates HTF funds by formula annually. Learn more about the Housing Trust Fund.
HUD has rental assistance and housing resources through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority in Iowa.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority in Iowa. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
Homeownership
- Learn more about homeownership from Home INC. or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Find the answer online
- Email us
- Call toll-free (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342)
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
- Use the HUD Home Store to find HUD homes for sale
- Find Information on my FHA loan
- Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources)
- Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you
- Explore Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
- Visit Iowa Homeowner Assistance Fund or call (888) 668-0927
- Contact a Local Legal Assistance Organization. Questions? Call Iowa Legal Aid at (800) 532-1503
- The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply to contractors and subcontractors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works. Find more information on Davis Bacon Labor Standards.
- Section 3 is a means by which HUD fosters local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. Section 3 is the legal basis for providing jobs for residents and awarding contracts to businesses in areas receiving certain types of HUD financial assistance. Find more information on Section 3.
Report Housing Discrimination
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
- Please visit the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Page
- File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Office:
- Online
- Call: (800) 347-3739
- Visit Iowa Legal Aid to get free civil legal assistance or call (515) 243-2151
- Visit Better Business Bureau or call (515) 243-8137 to file complaints against business and charities.
- Visit Iowa American Bar Association for free legal resources.
Rent Relief & Eviction Resources
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Seek Legal Assistance or Find Eviction 101 in Iowa
- Review USICH's Step-by-Step guide for people at risk of eviction
- Visit Iowa Legal Aid | Eviction Resources
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor to help avoid eviction:
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to help you prevent eviction. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287. - Tenants Rights and Responsibilities
HUD offers rental assistance and housing resources through Public Housing Authorities and their Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs.
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority in Iowa.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority in Iowa. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for utility assistance programs or call a Community Action Agencies Unit at (515) 281-3861.
Speak to a Housing Counselor
- Becoming a homeowner
- Foreclosure assistance
- Reverse mortgages
- Home improvements/repairs to my home
- Renting
Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
Housing Quality & Improved Living Conditions
- Resident Information
- REAC Real Estate Assessment Center
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs.
- USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342 - Iowa Finance Authority | FirstHome Program
- Find Your Council of Government
Disaster Resources
Immediately after a disaster, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies offer initial assistance. HUD then provides additional support for ongoing recovery through programs and partnerships.
- Register with FEMA online
- Register through FEMA's disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you can go to www.fema.gov/mobile-app
- Call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are on duty.
- Reach out to your local Red Cross
- HUD Disaster Resources
- HUD Disaster Line: Call 1-800-304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you by entering your zip code or call (800) 569-4287.
- Find a housing authority near you to sign up for a Section 8 Voucher
My Local Office Information
For assistance at all times, we encourage you to utilize the self-help resources above.
If you are unable to have your questions answered from the resources above, please click on the Need More Help button below to contact your local office for further assistance.
Des Moines Field Office
210 Walnut Street
Room 937
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: (515) 284-4512
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
Fax: (515) 284-4743
Julie Sleeper, State Director
Interested in learning more about what HUD is doing in your community?
⚠ In Distress? Reach Out for Help Now
At HUD, we know housing challenges often come with other struggles. You’re not alone. These resources can help with safe housing, emergencies, or connecting with someone who will listen.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed, facing mental health struggles, or emotional distress, free support is available any time:
- Call: 988
- Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
Trained counselors are here to listen and help, 24/7.
Support for Domestic Violence Survivors. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available 24/7:
- Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text: "Start" to 88788
- Visit: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Mental Health & Substance Use Support. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline offers free and confidential support for mental health, drug or alcohol use, and recovery:
- Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Text: Your ZIP code to 435748
- Visit: SAMHSA's National Helpline
Rental, Homelessness, and Eviction Help. Need help with housing challenges, like eviction, renting, foreclosure, or credit issues?
- Find a Housing Counselor: HUD's Housing Counseling Resources
- Call: 800-569-4287 (or 202-708-1455 for TTY) for multilingual assistance or disaster relief assistance.
- Visit: www.findhelp.org