We understand that finding the right support can be challenging so we have assembled the following valuable information on various state and local financial assistance programs and services to assist you and your family with essential needs like food, healthcare, and housing. Explore the programs available to you and take the first step towards a secure and healthy future.
State & Local Funding
Get Connected with 211 Iowa
211 Iowa is a single point of contact for thousands of health and human service programs and community services.
Food & Basic Needs
There are several food pantries and meals programs available in Ames/Story County. Hours of operation and requirements vary by location/agency. Use the link below to learn more.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a nutrition and health program that can provide your family with formula, vouchers for healthy food, breastfeeding help, and nutrition education. WIC staff also conduct screenings and connect you to resources so that you and your children maintain good health. WIC can also help you apply for Medicaid.
Medical
Hawki, or Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa, is a program that provides low-cost health insurance to uninsured children from working families. Families pay no more than $40 a month, and some pay nothing at all, with health coverage provided through managed care organizations (MCOs).
Iowa Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to over 700,000 Iowans each year, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
Housing & Utilities
The Bridge Home is devoted to bridging the gap between homelessness and housing by providing shelter, support, and a pathway forward to individuals and families experiencing or on the verge of homelessness. Formerly called Emergency Residence Project.
The Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) provides affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing to qualified families. They offer various programs, including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, to assist families in securing rental assistance and promoting self-sufficiency.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualified low-income families in Iowa meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to your heating utility. Homeowners and renters are eligible, within the federal poverty guidelines. The annual application period runs from November 1 through April 30, with early applications accepted during October for households with at least one resident who is 60 or older or has a disability.
The Story County Housing Trust (SCHT) is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to support opportunities to provide safe and affordable housing in Story County. Since its formation in 2017, the purpose has been to address the housing needs of low-income persons in Story County by providing innovative and flexible funding from various federal, state and local sources of revenue to produce new and preserve existing affordable housing, promote homeownership, and support homeless and transitional housing services. Visit the SCHT website for a comprehensive listing of housing related assistance programs.