A Statewide resource is dialing 211
Emergency Housing
Waypoint Services
For families experiencing homelessness or soon to be homeless, call Waypoint.
319.366.7999 or 833.739.0065.
https://waypointservices.org/
To reduce your wait time on the phone, you can enter your contact information into our online portal by clicking this link below.
Waypoint housing assessment
The Youth Crisis and Runaway Hotline
1-800-448-4663
Food Assistance
HACAP
HACAP’s “Find a Food Pantry” website can be accessed 24/7 to identify food panty resources in the community. This is updated on a regular basis and will give you the most up to date information. If you need assistance in identifying the best resource available to you, HACAP can be reached by phone and will help you identify the best resources for you.
HACAP Food Reservoir Pantry & Meal Location Directory
The Linn Community Food Bank
The Linn Community Food Bank is located in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church | 310 5th St. SE Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401
Monday – Friday | 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.
The Linn Community Food Bank provides a 3 day emergency supply of food to families in need on a first come/first served basis. You must register at the food bank. To do so, a picture ID is required for the Head of Household. Also, proof of Social Security number (SSN) is required for yourself and every member of your household before you can place your first order. Once you are registered, you only need a valid photo ID to place an order. You can add (with proof of SSN) or remove family members from your household throughout the year. Clients eligible to use food bank 12 times per year.
Green Square Meals
Monday – Friday (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) Warm, nutritious meals. No limitations or qualifications for service.
Green Square Meals
Loaves and Fishes
Tanager Place | 1030 5th Ave. SE Suite 1700 | Hours: Tuesdays, 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Loaves and Fishes
Emergency Food Boxes
9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Tuesdays through Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to schedule a pick up time. Eligibility is every 30 days.
Emergency Food Boxes
Mission of Hope
Services include free lunch at the door (Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
Food pantry (Monday – Friday by appointment only)
Clothing closet (Thursdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Weekend meal sacks (Friday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM).
Work Life classes and Faith + Finances classes available.
Salvation Army Meal Program
Breakfast: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 AM Noon Meal: 12 PM – 1 PM. Warm, nutritious meal. No limitations or qualifications for service. Closed major holidays.
Salvation Army Meal Program
Olivet Neighborhood Mission
Olivet Neighborhood Mission | 319-364-7946
Tuesday – Friday 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Saturday 9 AM – 11:30 AM | Food box once every 15 days. Kitchen pantry is available to anyone every day that Olivet is open. Identification required. No appointment necessary. Must meet income guidelines.
Together We Achieve
Together We Achieve | 319-432-9754
Hot Meal: Tuesday 4:30 PM – 7 PM Saturday 12 PM – 3 PM.
Hot Meal Program currently serving To Go.
Food box delivery available.
Food pantry available as needed.
Bridge Under The Bridge
Bridge Under The Bridge | 319-804-9009
Monday – Friday 3 PM – 6 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Hot meals prepared 6 days/week, weather permitting.
Food boxes distributed weekly.
Volunteer opportunities available.
Meals on Wheels
A hot noon meal is delivered to clients who are 60 years of age and older, homebound and unable to prepare a meal by themselves. Other meal options
(i.e.: breakfast bag, liquid resources, etc.) are available to those enrolled in the program. Nutrition program available in Linn County; noon meals are
served. Voluntary donations accepted. Please call for more information.
Transportation Services
Cedar Rapids Income-Based Transit
Qualify for free fares with a valid CR Transit Income-Based Free Half Fare ID card. Please read the Income-Based Free Fare Brochure below, contact 319-286-5573, or email m.williams@cedar-rapids.org for more information.
Income-based Free Fare Brochure
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION (NEMT)
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION is available to most Iowa Medicaid Beneficiaries. Must call to schedule 48 hours (2 business days) in advance. Amerigroup Iowa: 844-544-1389 OR Iowa Total Care: 833-404-1061
If your Medicaid coverage is managed through the State’s fee-for-service program, or if you have other questions, contact Iowa MEdicaid Enterprise Member services at 1-800-338-8366.
Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Services (NTS)
Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Services (NTS): Transportation provided to work, training, and school in Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha. Rides can be scheduled on a smart phone or tablet through the NTS Horizons app. In app scheduling is available up to two weeks in advance or same day (depending on vehicle availability). Rides can also be scheduled by calling our main office Monday through Friday 8am-3pm. Cost is $3.00 per ride and can be paid by debit/credit card in the app or by cash/check/money order at our main office.
For more information, go to https://horizonsfamily.org/transportation/, email us at nts@horizonsfamily.org, or call our office at (319) 363-1321.
Horizons Neighborhood Transportation Services
To The Rescue
Wheelchair & non-wheelchair (ambulatory) transportation provided to individuals with any need (doctor appointments, dialysis, social occasions, group outings or any personal needs). All Drivers are certified caregivers who are capable of assisting individuals before, after and during transit. To The Rescue is a full service home health care company with a well-trained and caring staff available to assist a wide range of needs.
To The RescueTenants Facing Eviction
Eviction 101
Eviction Helpdesk
Iowa Legal Aid currently operates six Eviction Help Desks throughout the state.
List of help desks
Need help with an eviction?
Apply for free consultations at the link below.
free consultationsMedical/Dental/Health
Metro Care Connection
Our centers are staffed by licensed pediatric nurse practitioners who provide physical and preventive health services to students in a youth-friendly environment. Services are provided to students regardless of ability to pay. Common Services: Sports Physicals, Vaccines, STI Testing, and Pregnancy Testing.
Metro Care Connection
CRCSD Health Services
School health services contribute to the goals of the education system and the healthcare system by providing screenings and referrals, administering medications and treatments, providing first aid, providing health counseling and education, and supporting students with chronic health conditions to acquire self-management skills.
CRCSD Health Services
Linn County Public Health
Linn County Public Health (LCPH) serves Linn County’s 225,000+ residents through its numerous programs and services to keep the community healthy. These programs help protect the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the homes we live in, as well as develop community partnerships.
Linn County Public Health
Community Health Clinic
Walk-in Care, Eye Exams. Prescription services
319-363-0416
His Hands Free Clinic
His Hands Free Clinic is licensed and experienced healthcare professionals are here to serve you. All services are free, but appointments are required.
His Hands Free Clinic website
Eastern Iowa Health Dental Center
For more information call (319) 730-7300
Located next to Eastern Iowa Health Center – Family Medicine and Pediatrics on Third Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids.
EIHC Bus/Transportation
Many of our patients face transportation barriers, and our bus will allow us to deliver on our mission to provide equitable health care to our patients.
The bus holds up to 12 passengers, wheelchair accessibility and will operate Monday-Friday 7am to 6pm.
Available for pick-up and drop off in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha.
Financial Assistance
Energy Assistance
The Energy Assistance program helps assist qualified applicants with the partial payment of heating costs on utility bills. This program is not intended to pay your household’s total energy costs, but to pay a portion of residential heating costs.
Energy Assistance
Apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Apply for SNAP benefits
Apply for SNAP
Family Promise of Linn County
Family promise of Linn County provides housing, meals and help to families who are homeless or nearly homeless.
Get help
Metro Catholic
Click button below for information.
Metro Catholic
Helping Hands
The Ecumential Community Center of Cedar Rapids, Iowa provides helping hands.
Helping Hands websites
General Assistance from Linn County
General Assistance serves individuals and families in Linn County who are experiencing a financial crisis.
Rent or Mortgage Interest
Utility bills
Water
Electricity
Gas
General Assistance can assist temporarily for up to 2 months or provide ongoing assistance depending on the situation.
Linn County General Assistance
Linn County Community Services
Linn County Community Services – Core Services organizes and participates in many community human services activities and collaborations.
Linn County Community Resources
Financial Invest Program (FIP)
Iowa’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. FIP provides cash assistance to needy families as they become self-supporting so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives.
Financial Invest Program
Iowa Medicaid Application Portal
Click button below for application.
Iowa Medicaid Application PortalPrepaid Phones
Safelink
Click button below for information.
Safelink
Assurance Wireless
Click button below for information.
Assurance Wireless
Stand Up Wireless
Click button for more information.
Stand Up Wireless
QLink
Click button for more information
QLink
TruConnect
Click button for more information
TruConnectScholarships Related to Homelessness
ACT Fee Waiver
ACT offers a test fee waiver program to eligible students that covers the regular registration fee and late fees, and provides additional benefits.
ACT Fee Waiver
NAEHCY Scholarship Fund
NAEHCY will award three $5,000 scholarships to students actively pursuing post-secondary education or trade schools.
NAEHCY Scholarship Fund
SchoolHouse Connection – $2,500 Scholarship Award
You Are Eligible if:
You are currently residing in the United States (Note: undocumented applicants are eligible). |
You were born on or after November 24, 2003. | You will begin college (four-year, community college, or trade school) for the First Time in 2024 (not including dual-enrollment courses). | You experienced homelessness in the last six years.
Financial Wellness
Financial Wellness Center
Horizons has been providing financial services to Eastern Iowa since 1983. Their services include housing counseling and financial literacy programs. Horizons’ goal is to improve the financial capability of those seeking services, as well as raise the level of financial stability in the community.
Financial Wellness
Buy. Eat. Live Healthy – Iowa State Extension
Buy. Eat. Live Healthy educators support individuals and families in making healthy choices on a tight grocery budget. Lessons focus on nutrition education, cooking skills, grocery budget management and active living. Program availability varies by county.
Buy. Eat. Live Healthy
The Opportunity Center
The Opportunity Center at Ladd Library is a collaboration between the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Kirkwood Community College, and United Way of East Central Iowa. Designed as an entry point for anyone who needs services, the Opportunity Center is a unique partnership in Cedar Rapids.
Inquiries can be made by filling out a form on the website below or calling (319) 739-0456.
The Opportunity Center
Collins Community Credit Union – Financial Wellness
Here to assist you on your journey to financial freedom. With the Achieve@Collins program, we provide all the tools and resources you need to build an awesome financial future.
Collins Community Credit UnionWell-Being
Local Mental Health Services
In times of crisis or distress, mental health services are readily available to you and your loved ones. This toolkit provides information and starting points for help in a variety of situations.
Mental Health Services
TotalChild and Family Care
Click button for more information.
Four Oaks TotalChild
Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services
Linn County Family Services
Programs: Peer Group, Reaching Families, School to Home, and Wraparound (Children’s Mental Health Fund).
Click button below for more information.
Domestic Violence Resources
DVIP
Click below for more information.
DVIP website
Safe at Home
Click the button below for more information.
Safe at home website
Madge Phillips Center Shelter
Click button below for more information.
Waypoint Services
Friends of Family, Victim Services
Click button for more information.
Friends of the FamilyDisaster & Recovery
Disaster Distress Helpline
Click on the button below for more information.
Disaster Distress Helpline
American Red Cross
Click on the button below for more information.
Red Cross website
Teaching Kids About Emergency Preparedness
Click on the button below for more information about teaching kids about emergency preparedness.
Teaching Kids About Emergency PreparednessCollege Readiness
FAFSA Questions about Homelessness
How to answer questions
Learn more here
Tip Sheet for Understanding Student Loans
Help for young people – understanding student loans the basics.
Learn more here
College Transition for Homeless Youth
Supports for College Transition for Homeless Youth
Learn more here
FAFSA Application
Applying for FAFSA
Learn more here
ICAN Iowa
These professionals would be able to help file your FAFSA Application.
Learn more hereRenters
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Search for HUD field and regional offices, local PHAs, Multifamily and Public Housing locations, homeless coordinated entry system points of contacts, and USDA rural housing
Learn more here
Iowa Finance Authority
From mortgage or down payment assistance and rental programs that provide affordable homes, to low-cost funds for drinking water, help for beginning farmers and more—we impact all Iowans.
Iowa Finance Authority
Iowa Housing Search
A free resource to help you find a rental home that fits your needs and budget.
iowa Housing Search
Matthew 25
Providing quality rental housing at affordable prices
Matthew 25
Affordable Housing Network
Affordable housing located in the Cedar Rapids area. Accepts Section 8 subsidy. Efficiency – 4 bedroom apartments and houses. There currently is a waitlist.
Affordable Housing NetworkEmployment
Willis Dady Homeless Services
Low Barrier entry level job positions as well as permanent supportive housing.
Learn more here
Iowa Works
Find a job and see current openings
Learn more here
Matthew 25 Tool Library
Looking for a tool to help complete a job
Learn more hereBefore and After School Assistance
Champions
Is located at all of our elementary school and middle schools. it also provides summer discovery camp options.
Learn more here
Achievement Academy
The Achievement Academy at Jane Boyd Community House is an out-of-school program for kids from high-risk communities in the Cedar Rapids School District.
Learn more here
Child care assistance
Do you need assistance paying for child care? Apply here for income-eligible families.
Learn more hereGet Free Tax Prep Help
VITA and TCE Services
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Click below to find a provider near you.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax AssistanceHome Buyer Program
Horizons Homebuyer Education
Financial Wellness Center
Learn more here
Iowa Finance Authority Homebuyer Programs
Types of Assistance:
– Down payment or closing cost assistance.
– Acquisition and rehabilitation assistance for a home after it as been purchased.
Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program
Check out the Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program
Learn more here
First Time Home Buyer Program
Are you a first time home buyer? This program could help you.
Learn more here
Housing Rehabilitation
See what is available for rehabilitation.
Learn more here
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity
Cedar Valley Habitat offers a hand-up to area families in need of safe, decent and affordable housing. We keep homes affordable through the use of volunteer labor and affordable mortgages, allowing us to serve first-time homeowners who wouldn’t typically qualify for conventional financing. Qualified applicants become full partners in the work of building or rehabilitating their future homes with Habitat sponsors, volunteers and other community stakeholders!
Learn more here
Homeownership Incubator Program
AHNI’s Homeownership Incubator Program is a single-family housing rental program that is designed to be a “home ownership incubator,” helping renters prepare for homeownership. The program offers special benefits to renters; who are required to actively participate in the Homeownership Program requirements at all times while renting their new home. Once an adequate down payment is saved and your credit profile is achieved, you will be ready for homeownership! The home you rent will be yours to purchase.
Learn more hereFurniture
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
To qualify as a bed recipient, you must be the legal guardian of the child or children ages 3-17 years old receiving the bed. Please submit the online SHP Application Form below.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace Application Form
Central Furniture Rescue
Collect basic furniture and household items to provide to those transitioning from homelessness into their own homes.
Learn more here