Community Resource Coordination
Services
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.
Refugee Support
If you are a refugee in need of support, please contact the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services.
Ground Floor of the Lucus Building
321 E 12th St.,
Des Moines, IA 50319
Call: (515) 344-3675
Are you in need of…
| Organization | Contact / Location |
| Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center | 1203 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 Services | 1111 9th St, Ste 320, DSM 515-558-9946 |
| Iowa Childcare Resource & Referral | 808 5th Ave, DSM 515-246-3590 |
| Lutheran Services in Iowa Childcare Training Program | 3200 University Avenue, DSM 515-271-7335 Ruaa.khaleefa@lsiowa.org |
| Parent Education Drake University Head Start | 3206 University Ave, DSM 515-271-1854 |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Amazing Grace Ministries & Outreach | 515-277-9062 | Community ministry providing clothing and support services. |
| Bethel AME Church | 528 E University Ave, DSM 515-266-1205 | Offers clothing assistance and community outreach. |
| Capitol Hill Lutheran Church | 511 Des Moines St., DSM 515-244-8913 info@chlcdesmoines.org | Provides clothing and household items to community members. |
| Central Iowa Shelter & Services | 1420 Mulberry St, DSM 515-284-5719 | Offers free clothing and essential supplies to people experiencing homelessness. |
| Dress for Success | 7025 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 Center | 1312 Grand Ave, WDM 515-277-1103, eddiedaviscenter.org | Clothing and essentials available Monday–Friday, 12–4 PM. |
| Evelyn K. Davis Center | Men’s Clothing Info | Offers men’s professional and casual clothing resources. |
| EveryStep | 3000 Easton Boulevard, Suite 1, DSM 515-274-3400 everystep.org | Offers winter clothing support and thrift store access for household goods. |
| IMPACT Community Action Partnership | 3226 University Ave: 515-518-4770 500 Army Post Rd: 515-274-9496 | Offers household and hygiene items through community pantries. |
| St. Vincent De Paul | 1426 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 Church | 4300 Beaver Ave, DSM 515-270-8142 ziondsm.com/clothing-closet | Free used clothing, bedding, and housewares on Tues & Wed from 10 AM–12 PM. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Evelyn K. Davis Center | 515-697-7700 evelynkdaviscenter.org | One-on-one job developer support, resume development, financial coaching, and employer connections. |
| IowaWORKS | DSM 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 Development | 1-866-239-0843 new claim | Unemployment claims and benefit assistance for Iowans. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services 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 Libraries | Check 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 Center | 1171 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 Neighborhood | 1401 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 Center | 319 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.org | Offers ELL (English Language Learner) classes and tutoring as part of their refugee and immigrant support programs. |
| Organization | Contact/Location | Services Provided |
| Afghan Partners in Iowa | 515-525-8784 | Community support, cultural orientation, and family services for Afghan newcomers. |
| African Community Institute | 515-322-5661 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 Foundation | 2500 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 Solidarity | 515-288-0881 | Advocacy and victim services for AAPI communities facing gender-based violence. |
| NISAA African Family Services | 4944 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. |
| Organization | Contact | Services Provided |
| IMPACT Community Action | 515-518-4770 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 Assistance | 515-286-2088 How to Apply | Temporary help with rent, food, utilities, clothing, cremation aid, and property tax support. |
| United Way 211 | Dial 211 unitedwaydm.org/211 | Central referral service for housing, food, utilities, and general help. |
| Organization | Contact/Location | Services Provided |
| Catholic Charities Food Pantry | 1815 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 Pantries | 515-277-6969 Find a Pantry Delivery Info | 14 pantries, mobile pantry & food delivery (for health/transportation issues). |
| Eat Greater DSM | Fridge Map | Community fridge network – free food, no questions asked. |
| Food Bank of Iowa | Find Food Mobile Calendar | Distributes food through partner pantries and mobile sites statewide. |
| Hope Ministries | 1310 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 Initiative | Double Up Food Bucks Info | Double SNAP dollars at farmer’s markets. |
| Iowa WIC Program | WIC Info 515-281-5650 | Nutrition for women, infants, and children under age 5. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Apex Dental – Dentistry From the Heart | 725 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 Clinic | 1761 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 Connections | 515-244-9136 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.org | Free 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 Clinics | 801 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. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Anawim Housing | wprice@anawimhousing.org anawimhousing.org | Permanent 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. |
| IMPACT | Emergency 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) | 515-243-1993 | Legal help for tenants facing eviction, onsite at Polk County Justice Center. |
| Iowa Mortgage Help | 877-622-4866 iowamortgagehelp.com | Foreclosure prevention, mediation services, and mortgage counseling. |
| Primary Health Care – Centralized Intake | 515-248-1850 phciowa.org | Coordinated homeless intake and referral to shelter or housing support. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Iowa Legal Aid | Legal Hotline: 1-800-332-0419 iowalegalaid.org | Free 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. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services Provided |
| Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program | 24/7 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 Care | 1801 Hickman Rd, DSM broadlawns.org | Walk-in urgent care services for non-emergency health needs. |
| Creative Visions | 1343 13th St., DSM 515-244-4003 | Free dental screenings every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| DMPS School-Based Medical Clinics | Kurtz 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 Department | vaccinate.iowa.gov vaccines.gov Text ZIP to 438829 | Flu vaccines and links to nearby vaccine providers. |
| University of Iowa Mobile Clinic | Call/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). |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services 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 Lifeline | 988 from any phone | 988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Text, call, or chat 988. Access for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers. |
| Iowa State Extension – Mindfulness Mondays | Register Here | Weekly virtual wellness tools and mental health support activities. |
| Latino Mental Health Resources | Directory 1 Directory 2 | Listings of Spanish-speaking and bilingual therapists across Iowa. |
| Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) | lsiowa.org/therapy | Virtual and in-person therapy for Iowans of all ages. |
| MercyOne House of Mercy – Schuster Behavioral Health Center | 1409 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 Moines | nami.org | Peer and family mental health support groups, education, and resources. |
| National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | Call 988 (24/7) Language line available | Crisis support and suicide prevention services for all individuals and community leaders. |
| One Iowa | oneiowa.org | Mental health advocacy and healthcare access for LGBTQ+ Iowans. |
| Orchard Place | 515-244-2267 orchardplace.org | Residential treatment, outpatient therapy, and school-based care for children and teens. |
| UnityPoint Behavioral Health Urgent Care | 1250 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 Iowa | 1-855-581-8111 Text: 855-895-8398 yourlifeiowa.org | 24/7 support for mental health, substance use, gambling, and suicide concerns. |
| Organization | Contact / Location | Services 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 Program | 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny dmacc.edu | Commercial truck driving certification and job placement support. Financial aid available. |
| ICOACH – Driving Classes | 4300 Beaver Ave, DSM 515-505-9109 | Free or low-cost driving education and support for Congolese and other refugee communities. |
| Oakridge Neighborhood | 1401 Center St, DSM 515-244-7702 | Transportation assistance and driver’s education support for residents. |
| Street Smarts | 9914 Swanson Blvd, Clive 515-279-1112 | Private driving instruction and licensing prep. Fee-based. |
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