If you, or anyone you know, has fallen on hard times and needs assistance, there is a wealth of information available to you.  From homelessness to home energy assistance, you can utilize the following resources.  This information can be obtained from the City offices or O’Brien County Emergency Management’s website at https://obrienema.org/ as well.

Housing Assistance Resource Guide – OBrien County IA – Updated 2024

Elderbridge Brochure

Food Resource Guide – English – Updated 2024

Information from O’Brien County Emergency Management:

FAMILY CRISIS CENTERS

 If you know anyone who is facing homelessness, the Family Crisis Centers may be able to assist.  Their housing assistance application is available on the following website: Housing & Homelessness – Family Crisis Centers (A person may also call 1-800-382-5603 to talk through the housing application.)

If someone is facing possible eviction from their home, it is recommended to call the Statewide Crisis Line: 1-833-739-0065.  Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. also has a variety of information on their website over housing and eligibility requirements.  Housing – Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc.

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NW IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY

Voucher Program– Commonly called Section 8, this program is designed to assist low-income individuals by paying a portion of their rent. Newly assisted individuals are responsible for paying a minimum of 30% but not more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income for rent and utilities. Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority pays the remainder directly to the landlord. The combination of the tenant’s payments and the NWIRHA may not exceed the Payment Standard for the county they live.

Website link:  https://nwirha.org/

Application:  https://www.waitlistcheck.com/IA475

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LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

The LIHEAP program application period began on November 1.  The following information is from this link: https://www.udmo.com/programs-services/energy/liheap/

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program designed to assist low income families meet the cost of home heating by providing a one-time payment to the heating utility. The LIHEAP program is a federally-funded program by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Homeowners and renters are eligible, within the federal poverty guidelines. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis November 1 – April 30 of each year. Households with a  member 60 years of age or older, those who are disabled, and those in crisis can begin applying October 1st.  Visit your local community action outreach office to apply for this and other programs.

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ELDERBRIDGE AGENCY ON AGING

Elderbridge provides a variety of services to the elderly and individuals with disabilities.  Some of their services include: case management, family caregiver resources, benefits counseling, healthy living, and connecting individuals with services.  Their benefits counseling program can help individuals possibly identify benefit programs that they are eligible for, but may not be aware of.  Website link: https://elderbridge.org/

Their mission is to advocate for and empower older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to pursue independent, healthy lives.  If you know anyone that could benefit from connecting with Elderbridge, please help share the Elderbridge contact information.

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O’BRIEN COUNTY FOOD ASSISTANCE

O’Brien County Food Assistance and its partners are working to make sure that no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from. With a plethora of events all throughout O’Brien and the surrounding counties, we’re here to help.  Website link:  https://obrienema.org/food-assistance-resources/