Find housing help in Polk County, Iowa

Looking for an affordable apartment

We recommend starting your apartment search using Iowa Housing Search, a resource offered by the Iowa Finance Authority.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

• In Polk County, the Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority (DMMHA) administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

• In several neighboring counties, the Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority manages Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

Public Housing

• In Polk County, the Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority (DMMHA) manages public housing apartments.

Polk County Emergency Management coordinates an extreme temperature plan with details on their website.

When the plan is active, warming/cooling centers are available across the County, DART provides free transportation to those centers, and emergency shelters for unhoused people (such as Central Iowa Shelter and Services) surge their capacity to accommodate additional guests.

For details about when the plan is active and what support is available, visit Polk County's website.

If you are having trouble paying your rent or other expenses related to your housing, here are some local organizations you may contact about rental assistance.

• Polk County General Assistance

• IMPACT Community Action Program, 515-518-4770

• Cross Outreach, 515-279-9998

Help is available to access homeless services and shelter. For support, visit Centralized Intake at Primary Health Care, 1200 University Avenue, Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For assistance after hours, dial 2-1-1.

I expect to lose my housing in a few days or weeks

If you may lose your housing soon, here is a recommended list of actions you can take provided by the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Several local programs can assist homeowners with repairs that help with health and safety, energy efficiency, and more.

We maintain a directory of assistance programs for homeowners that serve Polk County.

We recommend connecting with these local organizations who provide affordable homeownership opportunities and homeownership counseling: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, HOME, Inc., and Neighborhood Finance Corporation.

For mortgage counseling, visit IowaMortgageHelp.com or call 1-877-622-4866.

For help with general tenant-landlord questions, contact HOME, Inc. If you are facing eviction, you may also contact Iowa Legal Aid for specialized assistance.

Contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for assistance. In Des Moines, contact the Community Impact and Relations department.

The Iowa International Center provides a housing translation service.