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HomelessnessHomelessness

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am at-risk for or currently experiencing homelessness and need immediate help, what should I do?

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.

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I am a non-profit or local/state government agency in need of information about homelessness programs and their administration. Where do I go?

Affordable Places to LiveAffordable Places to Live

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am in search of affordable places to live, where can I get help?

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:

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What additional housing resources (external to HUD) are available to me?
  • 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
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I am a for-profit, non-profit or local/state agency involved in covered activities related to the Davis Bacon and Other Acts (prevailing wage) and Section 3 and need more information. Where should I go?
  • 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.
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I am a non-profit or local/state agency interested in developing affordable housing for people to live in.
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I need rental assistance (i.e. Section 8) from HUD, am I eligible and how do I apply?

HUD has rental assistance and housing resources through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.

Public Housing

  • 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.
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HomeownershipHomeownership

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
Where can I get information about becoming a homeowner ?
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How do I learn about Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and programs?
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I am interested in buying a HUD home, where can I find this information?
I need to know how to pay off my FHA loan, where do I find this information?
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I am facing foreclosure, what can I do?
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I am worried about lead-based paint, where can I find information about it?
I am a non-profit or local/state government agency in need of information about homeownership programs. Where do I go?
I am a for-profit, non-profit or local/state agency involved in covered activities related to the Davis Bacon and Other Acts (prevailing wage) and Section 3 and need more information. Where should I go?
  • 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.
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Report Housing DiscriminationReport Housing Discrimination

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I need to report housing discrimination, where do I go?

* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
Where could I find legal advice?

Rent Relief & Eviction ResourcesRent Relief & Eviction Resources

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am facing eviction, what can I do?

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:

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I need rental payment assistance, where can I get help?

HUD offers rental assistance and housing resources through Public Housing Authorities and their Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs.

Public Housing

  • 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.


Get Help Paying Rent and Bills

Rent Relief Resources

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I need utility payment assistance, where can I get help?

Speak to a Housing CounselorSpeak to a Housing Counselor

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I'd like to speak with a housing counselor, what can they assist me with?
  • 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.

 

Housing Quality & Improved Living ConditionsHousing Quality & Improved Living Conditions

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I am in HUD funded housing, where can I find information about my property/unit inspection?
What are housing quality standards?
I am worried about lead-based paint. Where can I find this information?
What are my options for home improvement?
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Disaster ResourcesDisaster Resources

What issue are you facing?
Where to get help
I have experienced a disaster and need to register with FEMA. What do I do?

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.

 

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I have experienced a disaster and need to reach out to my Local Red Cross for help. Where do I go?
I experienced a disaster and need help.
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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.

 

Need More Help?

 

Des Moines Field Office
210 Walnut Street
Room 937
Des Moines, Iowa 50309


Get Directions

 

[Phone Icon]Phone: (515) 284-4512
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)

[Fax Icon] Fax: (515) 284-4743

Julie Sleeper, State Director

 

 

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⚠ 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:

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:

Rental, Homelessness, and Eviction Help. Need help with housing challenges, like eviction, renting, foreclosure, or credit issues?

Row of houses