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Community Resource Coordination

At Catholic Charities, we believe in walking alongside individuals and families as they work toward a stronger, more stable future. Community Resource Coordination uplifts and empowers our clients while connecting them with other local resources.

We all can use a little help along the way.

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has been committed to meeting our clients where they are and providing them with what they need to succeed. The road to self-sufficiency is different for everyone and can be confusing and hard to navigate. Through Catholic Charities Community Resource Coordination, we help clients connect with local systems of support and essential services to empower them on their journey toward a brighter future.

What We Do

Our Community Resource Coordinator will work to:

  • Identify and assess client needs and roadblocks
  • Connect clients with trusted local partners and resources
  • Assist clients in navigating applications for services like food assistance, housing, employment, childcare and more.
  • Provide clients with encouragement and empowerment.

Who We Help

This service is available to anyone in our community in need of support. No matter where you are, we are here to walk with you.

How to Get Started

We are here for you! Contact us today to speak with our Community Resource Coordinator and begin your journey toward a bright, self-sufficient future.

Support Catholic Charities Community Resource Coordination

Are you in need of…

OrganizationContact / Location
Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center1203 Hartford Avenue, DSM
515-244-2268
kellie@bidwellriverside.org

Children and Families of Iowa
1111 University Ave, DSM
515-282-2193

DHS Childcare Assistance
2309 Euclid Ave, DSM
1-866-448-4605
EveryStep Care & Support Services1111 9th St, Ste 320, DSM
515-558-9946
Iowa Childcare Resource & Referral808 5th Ave, DSM
515-246-3590
Lutheran Services in Iowa Childcare Training Program3200 University Avenue, DSM
515-271-7335
Ruaa.khaleefa@lsiowa.org
Parent Education Drake University Head Start3206 University Ave, DSM
515-271-1854

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Amazing Grace Ministries & Outreach515-277-9062Community ministry providing clothing and support services.
Bethel AME Church528 E University Ave, DSM
515-266-1205
Offers clothing assistance and community outreach.
Capitol Hill Lutheran Church511 Des Moines St., DSM
515-244-8913
info@chlcdesmoines.org
Provides clothing and household items to community members.

Central Iowa Shelter & Services1420 Mulberry St, DSM
515-284-5719
Offers free clothing and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness.
Dress for Success7025 Hickman Rd Suite 3, Urbandale
515-288-0130
desmoines.dressforsuccess.org
Offers professional clothing and career support to women entering the workforce.
Eddie Davis Community Center1312 Grand Ave, WDM
515-277-1103,
eddiedaviscenter.org
Clothing and essentials available Monday–Friday, 12–4 PM.
Evelyn K. Davis CenterMen’s Clothing InfoOffers men’s professional and casual clothing resources.
EveryStep3000 Easton Boulevard, Suite 1, DSM
515-274-3400
everystep.org
Offers winter clothing support and thrift store access for household goods.
IMPACT Community Action Partnership3226 University Ave: 515-518-4770
500 Army Post Rd: 515-274-9496
Offers household and hygiene items through community pantries.
St. Vincent De Paul1426 6th Ave: 515-282-8327 ext. 14
520 Army Post Rd: 515-282-8328 ext. 30
svdpdsm.org
Community ministry provides clothing and support services.
Zion Church4300 Beaver Ave, DSM
515-270-8142
ziondsm.com/clothing-closet
Free used clothing, bedding, and housewares on Tues & Wed from 10 AM–12 PM.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Evelyn K. Davis Center515-697-7700
evelynkdaviscenter.org
One-on-one job developer support, resume development, financial coaching, and employer connections.
IowaWORKSDSM Army Post: 515-281-9619 (Opt 9)
Park Fair Mall: 515-725-3601
iowaworks.gov
Job search, resume help, mock interviews, hiring events, workshops, and LinkedIn labs.
Unemployment Insurance – Iowa Workforce Development1-866-239-0843
new claim
Unemployment claims and benefit assistance for Iowans.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College)Multiple campus locations
ESL Info
Offers beginner to advanced ELL (English Language Learner) classes, citizenship prep, and workplace English. Daytime and evening options available.
Des Moines Public LibrariesCheck with your local library    
     (Des Moines Public Library)
Offer ELL (English Language Learner) conversation circles, online learning tools, and referrals to local class providers.
Evelyn K. Davis Center1171 7th St, DSM
515-697-7700
Website
Free adult ELL (English Language Learner) classes and tutoring through partner programs. Offers job training alongside English classes.
Oakridge Neighborhood1401 Center St, DSM
515-244-7702
Website
On-site ELL (English Language Learner) classes, often for residents and families. Includes digital literacy and citizenship support.
Iowa International Center319 7th St, Suite 200, DSM
515-282-8269
iowainternationalcenter.org
Free English conversation classes at public libraries and online. No registration required.

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)lsiowa.orgOffers ELL (English Language Learner) classes and tutoring as part of their refugee and immigrant support programs.

OrganizationContact/LocationServices Provided
Afghan Partners in Iowa515-525-8784Community support, cultural orientation, and family services for Afghan newcomers.
African Community Institute515-322-5661
african.acidsm@gmail.com
Services for African immigrants, including youth programs and cultural advocacy.
EMBARC (Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy & Resource Center)4801 Franklin Ave, Ste 1159, DSM
515-512-1881
Advocacy, education, and wraparound services for refugees from Burma and other ethnic minorities.
Genesis Youth Foundation2500 University Ave, DSM
515-343-0149
Empowerment programs for African youth through academics, athletics, and arts.
L.U.N.A. (Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer)515-271-5060
24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-256-7668
Domestic violence and sexual assault support for Latinas and Spanish-speaking individuals.
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity515-288-0881Advocacy and victim services for AAPI communities facing gender-based violence.
NISAA African Family Services4944 Franklin Ave, Ste P, DSM
515-255-5430
24/7 Helpline: 1-844-269-6203
Health education, domestic violence support, and case management for African immigrants.

OrganizationContactServices Provided
IMPACT Community Action515-518-4770
impactcap.org
LIHEAP (Low- income Home Energy Assistance Program) utility help, EMBRACE (household needs), RAYS youth scholarship, and furnace repair. Multiple application options: phone, mail, or online.
Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)515-348-8813
iowafinance.com
Utility assistance and rent assistance.
Polk County General Assistance515-286-2088
How to Apply
Temporary help with rent, food, utilities, clothing, cremation aid, and property tax support.
United Way 211Dial 211
unitedwaydm.org/211
Central referral service for housing, food, utilities, and general help.

OrganizationContact/LocationServices Provided
Catholic Charities  Food Pantry1815 Hubbell Ave, DSM
515-262-7290
Walk-in food pantry offering non-perishable items. Open M-Th, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and F 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. (closed holidays).
DMARC Food Pantries515-277-6969
Find a Pantry
Delivery Info
14 pantries, mobile pantry & food delivery (for health/transportation issues).

Eat Greater DSMFridge MapCommunity fridge network – free food, no questions asked.
Food Bank of IowaFind Food
Mobile Calendar
Distributes food through partner pantries and mobile sites statewide.
Hope Ministries1310 6th Ave, DSM
hopeiowa.org
Daily free meals, Wed meal (2500 University), holiday meals, drop-in support services.
Iowa HHS – Food Assistance (SNAP)Apply: food assistance
1-855-944-3663
SNAP benefits, application support, and EBT fruit/veggie programs.
Iowa Healthiest State InitiativeDouble Up Food Bucks InfoDouble SNAP dollars at farmer’s markets.
Iowa WIC ProgramWIC Info
515-281-5650
Nutrition for women, infants, and children under age 5.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Apex Dental – Dentistry From the Heart725 S 51st St, WDM
515-224-1618
apexdentaliowa.com
Hosts annual free dental care events offering cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Also participates in Donated Dental Services and Iowa Mission of Mercy programs.
Broadlawns Dental Clinic1761 Hickman Rd, DSM
515-282-2421
 broadlawns.org
Comprehensive dental services including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and emergency care. Accepts Medicaid and offers sliding scale fees.
Dental Connections515-244-9136
Dental Connections
Dental Connections is a private non-profit community health center that promotes equitable access to quality oral health care for children and adults. We provide comprehensive general and pediatric dental services and serve all income levels and age groups.
Dental Lifeline Network – Iowa
(Donated Dental Services)
515-251-8000
 dwells@DentalLifeline.org
 dentallifeline.org/iowa
Dental Connections is a private, non-profit community health center that promotes equitable access to quality oral health care for children and adults. We provide comprehensive general and pediatric dental services and serve all income levels and age groups.
I-Smile Program (Iowa HHS) 1-800-972-2017
 hhs.iowa.gov
Connects children and pregnant women with dental care providers. Offers preventive services and assistance in finding dental homes.
Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM) iowamom.orgFree dental treatment for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or medically fragile and cannot afford care. Services provided by volunteer dentists does not cover emergency or cosmetic procedures.
University of Iowa College of Dentistry – Student Clinics801 Newton Rd, Iowa City
319-384-4353
dentistry.uiowa.edu
Reduced-cost dental care provided by supervised dental students. Services include exams, cleanings, fillings, and more. Medicaid accepted; interpreting services available.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Anawim Housingwprice@anawimhousing.org anawimhousing.orgPermanent supportive housing for individuals with homelessness, disabilities, or fleeing violence.
HOME Inc.Eviction Hotline: 515-243-1277
homeincdsm.org
Renter support, eviction prevention, homeownership education, and housing counseling.
IMPACTEmergency Housing Hotline: 515-282-8269
ext:5
Multilingual Helpline: 1-877-558-2609
Rental assistance, interpreter hotline, housing support, and financial coaching.
Iowa Legal Aid (Housing Support)515-243-1993Legal help for tenants facing eviction, onsite at Polk County Justice Center.
Iowa Mortgage Help877-622-4866
iowamortgagehelp.com
Foreclosure prevention, mediation services, and mortgage counseling.
Primary Health Care – Centralized Intake515-248-1850
phciowa.org
Coordinated homeless intake and referral to shelter or housing support.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Iowa Legal AidLegal Hotline: 1-800-332-0419 iowalegalaid.orgFree legal help with evictions, unemployment, custody, identity theft, and more.
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice
(Iowa MMJ)
1111 9th St, DSM
 515-255-9809
iowammj.org
Legal advocacy and services for immigrants and underrepresented communities.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program24/7 Toll-Free Crisis Line
    888-612-0266
Iowa Victim Call Center
    1-800-770-1650
Text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121
This program is based in Council Bluffs, Iowa and serves nine counties in southwest Iowa, including: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby. Our 24/7 toll-free crisis line is a free and confidential resource for anyone in need of help.
Broadlawns Urgent Care1801 Hickman Rd, DSM
broadlawns.org
Walk-in urgent care services for non-emergency health needs.
Creative Visions1343 13th St., DSM
515-244-4003
Free dental screenings every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DMPS School-Based Medical ClinicsKurtz Opportunity Center
1000 Porter Ave., DSM
Hoover High School
    4800 Aurora Ave., DSM
515-242-8488 ext:1
School physicals, sports physicals, vaccinations, sliding fee scale available; accepts all insurances.
Health Insurance Marketplace /
Iowa Navigator
Apply: healthcare.gov,
1-877-474-NAVI
515-978-9570
Free help enrolling in health insurance, checking eligibility for Medicaid/CHIP, and applying for premium tax credits.
Iowa Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)Medicaid Apply
Medicaid Info
Medicaid enrollment and coverage help for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Polk County Health Departmentvaccinate.iowa.gov
vaccines.gov
Text ZIP to 438829
Flu vaccines and links to nearby vaccine providers.
University of Iowa Mobile ClinicCall/Text: 319-535-2684
iowamobileclinic.org
Free health screenings, mental health support, telehealth appointments, and insurance sign-up in English, Spanish, Arabic, French (others upon request).

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
DMPS Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP)515-724-8920
mosaicfamilyinc.com
Up to 5 free therapy sessions for DMPS students and families; virtual or in-person options.
Get Help Lifeline988 from any phone988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Textcall, or chat 988. Access for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers.
Iowa State Extension – Mindfulness MondaysRegister HereWeekly virtual wellness tools and mental health support activities.
Latino Mental Health ResourcesDirectory 1
Directory 2
Listings of Spanish-speaking and bilingual therapists across Iowa.
Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)lsiowa.org/therapyVirtual and in-person therapy for Iowans of all ages.
MercyOne House of Mercy – Schuster Behavioral Health Center1409 Clark Street, DSM
515-643-6500
The Schuster Behavioral Health Center is located in MercyOne House of Mercy’s lower level and provides outpatient mental health services. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.
NAMI Greater Des Moinesnami.orgPeer and family mental health support groups, education, and resources.
National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 988 (24/7)
Language line available
Crisis support and suicide prevention services for all individuals and community leaders.
One Iowaoneiowa.orgMental health advocacy and healthcare access for LGBTQ+ Iowans.
Orchard Place515-244-2267
orchardplace.org
Residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and school-based care for children and teens.
UnityPoint Behavioral Health Urgent Care1250 E 9th St, DSM
515-263-2632
Open 10am–8pm daily for walk-in psychiatric, addiction, and behavioral health care.
Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC)ywrc.org/programs
515-244-4901
Free counseling, art therapy, and identity-focused groups for girls and LGBTQ+ youth.
Your Life Iowa1-855-581-8111
Text: 855-895-8398
yourlifeiowa.org
24/7 support for mental health, substance use, gambling, and suicide concerns.

OrganizationContact / LocationServices Provided
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit)620 Cherry St, DSM
515-283-8100
Commercial truck driving certification and job placement support. Financial aid is available.
DMACC – Truck Driving Program2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny
dmacc.edu
Commercial truck driving certification and job placement support. Financial aid available.
ICOACH – Driving Classes4300 Beaver Ave, DSM
515-505-9109
Free or low-cost driving education and support for Congolese and other refugee communities.
Oakridge Neighborhood1401 Center St, DSM
515-244-7702
Transportation assistance and driver’s education support for residents.
Street Smarts9914 Swanson Blvd, Clive
515-279-1112
Private driving instruction and licensing prep. Fee-based.

Contact Us

Dema Abu-Assaf

Community Resource Coordinator

515-237-5025