Statewide & System-Level Housing Programs

Coverage: Statewide Iowa. This section keeps statewide housing search, homeless-service access, affordable housing, recovery housing, supervision-aware housing guidance, and rural placement planning in one place so regional sections can focus on direct providers and local housing pathways.

✅ Verified Statewide Housing Search & System-Level Pathways

IowaHousingSearch.org — Statewide Housing Locator Statewide housing search tool for available rental housing, affordable rentals, accessible units, and landlord-listed housing opportunities. Not reentry-specific, but useful for identifying properties and contacts before asking about screening rules.

Housing Search Affordable Rentals Screening varies

Search iowahousingsearch.org Use property-specific contact information from each listing. Ask the landlord or manager about application standards before paying fees.

Ask Criminal-history screening, income rules, deposit amount, utilities, and move-in timeline Whether the landlord can provide written confirmation if needed for supervision approval

Area Statewide / Online

Iowa Finance Authority — Housing Assistance Pathways State housing finance resource connected to affordable housing, rental assistance information, housing locator support, renter resources, housing stability programs, and public/private housing-development pathways across Iowa.

Affordable Housing Rental Support Waitlists / eligibility

Contact opportunityiowa.gov Local: (515) 452-0400 Toll-free: 1-800-432-7230

Bring ID, income, household, residency, eviction, or housing-crisis documents if applicable Ask about county-specific housing programs, rental assistance, and current waitlists

Area Statewide Iowa

211 Iowa — Shelter, Housing Crisis & Basic Needs Navigation Statewide referral pathway for shelter, housing crisis support, rental assistance, utility help, food, transportation, health care, and other stabilizing services. Use 211 as the statewide navigation layer, not as a substitute for direct provider intake.

Statewide Navigation Shelter / Housing Crisis Basic Needs

Access 211iowa.org Dial 2-1-1 Text your ZIP code to 898211

Ask Nearest shelter, coordinated entry, rent help, utility help, and county-specific housing contacts Whether referral documentation or appointment scheduling is required

Area Statewide Iowa

HUD Iowa — Homelessness Help & Coordinated Access State-level HUD information for people seeking homelessness help in Iowa, including 211 access, Polk County help, and statewide homelessness help outside Polk County.

Homelessness Help Coordinated Access Availability varies

Access HUD Iowa Polk County help: (515) 248-1850 Outside Polk County: (833) 739-0065

Ask Coordinated entry process, shelter access, eligibility, documents, and wait time Whether the referral can support a supervision-approved housing plan

Area Polk County / statewide Iowa

🛠️ Eligible Recovery, Supervision & Confirm-First Paths

Oxford House Iowa — Peer-Supported Recovery Housing Oxford Houses are self-run, self-supported recovery homes for people in recovery from substance use disorder. Iowa availability changes by city and house, so applicants should confirm openings, house expectations, costs, and supervision compatibility directly.

Recovery Housing Peer-Supported House rules vary

Search oxfordhouse.org Use “Find a House” for current Iowa locations and contacts.

Ask Current openings, interview process, fees, sobriety expectations, medication rules, and transportation Whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted

Area Statewide / house-specific

Supervision-Aware Housing Approval People under Iowa probation, parole, work release, pretrial, treatment court, or other supervision may need residence approval before moving. A landlord or program’s willingness to accept someone does not automatically mean the address is approved for supervision.

Address Planning Supervision-Aware Approval may apply

Contact Supervising officer, reentry specialist, treatment court contact, residential officer, case manager, or court-approved contact. Confirm approval rules before moving or paying deposits.

Prep Full address, landlord or program contact, rules, fees, and move-in date Transportation, treatment, work, reporting, and curfew plan

Area Statewide Iowa

Public Housing Authorities, Vouchers & Subsidized Housing Local public housing authorities and subsidized properties may provide long-term housing pathways, but criminal-history screening, waiting lists, household eligibility, and local rules vary by authority and property.

Affordable Housing Vouchers / PHA Screening varies

Access Use IowaHousingSearch, Iowa Finance Authority resources, HUD Iowa, or local PHA websites to identify local housing authorities. Call each authority or property directly for current waitlist and screening information.

Ask Waitlist status, application method, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, and required documents Whether a supervision-approved address letter can be provided if admitted

Area Statewide / local-authority dependent

Private Landlords, Room Rentals, Mobile Homes & Apartments Independent housing may involve room rentals, shared housing, mobile homes, apartments, extended stays, or private landlords. Rural transportation, criminal-history screening, deposits, and address approval issues vary by property.

Independent Housing Screening varies Confirm address rules

Reminder Confirm address approval before paying deposits, application fees, or move-in fees. Ask for written terms before moving in.

Bring Income proof • ID • references • proposed address Full landlord or property contact information for verification

Area Statewide Iowa

Rural Housing, Transportation & Out-of-County Placement Many Iowa counties have limited shelter or transitional housing. A nearby city may be the practical access point, but transportation, supervision reporting, treatment access, work access, and county restrictions must be checked first.

Rural Access Transportation Confirm placement

Check Reporting location, treatment schedule, employment access, bus routes, ride options, and curfew compatibility. Ask whether an out-of-county address can be approved.

Prep Proposed address and weekly transportation plan Nearest shelter, recovery housing, reentry program, or service hub

Area Rural and regional Iowa

Central Iowa

Counties: Polk, Dallas, Warren, Story, Marshall, Boone, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Hardin, Poweshiek, and Tama. Cities and communities include Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Clive, Waukee, Altoona, Johnston, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, Boone, Newton, Marshalltown, Grinnell, Pella, Knoxville, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.

✅ Verified Shelter, Transitional & Housing-Linked Providers

Central Iowa Shelter & Services — Emergency Shelter & Housing Support Low-barrier shelter and housing-support provider serving adults and families experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines area. Services include emergency shelter, meals, support services, case management, and pathways toward housing stability.

Emergency Shelter Housing Support Polk County

Contact centraliowashelter.org (515) 284-5719 (515) 883-1692 1420 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Ask Current bed availability, intake process, length-of-stay rules, and case-management access Whether documentation can be provided for supervision or court-related address planning

Area Des Moines / Polk County

Primary Health Care — Homeless Support Services & Centralized Intake Centralized intake pathway for homeless services in Polk County, connecting individuals and families to housing resources, benefits, health care, and related support. Intake is a key access point for people trying to enter the local homeless-response system.

Centralized Intake Housing Resources Health + Benefits

Access phciowa.org/services/homeless PHC University, 1200 University Ave., Suite 110A, Des Moines, IA 50314 Walk-in intake: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–3:30 PM

Bring ID, income information, benefits information, current housing status, and any referral paperwork Arrive early and ask how supervision status affects placement or documentation

Area Polk County / Des Moines metro

Hope Ministries — Shelter & Life Recovery Pathways Faith-based shelter and life-recovery provider in Central Iowa offering emergency shelter, meals, and structured recovery programming. Housing-related pathways may include men’s shelter access, women and children’s shelter pathways, and longer-term recovery support depending on eligibility and program fit.

Shelter Life Recovery Program rules apply

Contact hopeiowa.org Main: (515) 265-7272 Bethel Mission men’s shelter: (515) 244-5445 info@hopeiowa.org

Ask Shelter intake requirements, recovery-program eligibility, curfew, work expectations, and documentation Whether probation, parole, treatment court, or work-release status affects eligibility

Area Des Moines / Central Iowa

Anawim Housing — Permanent Supportive Housing & Wraparound Services Permanent supportive housing provider serving households across Central Iowa with housing and wraparound support. Placement depends on program eligibility, referral pathways, availability, and housing-assessment requirements.

Supportive Housing Wraparound Services Eligibility / referrals

Contact anawimhousing.org (515) 244-8308 info@anawimhousing.org 2024 Forest Avenue, Suite 101, Des Moines, IA 50311

Ask Referral process, eligibility, waitlist status, documents, and coordinated-entry requirements Whether supportive housing placement can coordinate with supervision reporting or treatment needs

Area Des Moines / Central Iowa

Homeward Iowa — Polk County Homelessness Coordination Community-wide homelessness planning and coordination organization for Polk County. Homeward is not a direct shelter, but it is useful for understanding local homeless-response systems, coordinated efforts, provider networks, and housing-solution initiatives.

System Coordination Polk County Not direct shelter intake

Contact homewardiowa.org (515) 302-6017 info@homewardiowa.org 505 5th Avenue, Suite 1010, Des Moines, IA 50309

Use for Understanding Polk County homelessness systems, local initiatives, and provider coordination Use direct shelters or centralized intake for immediate placement needs

Area Polk County / Des Moines metro

YSS — Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Youth and young-adult homelessness support pathway in Des Moines, including connection to shelter, housing, counseling, life-skills, and support services. Best suited for eligible youth and young adults who need age-appropriate stabilization support.

Youth / Young Adults Housing Support Age eligibility

Access yss.org (515) 883-2379 ihyc@yss.org Youth Opportunity Center, 612 Locust St., Des Moines, IA

Ask Age eligibility, housing or shelter access, walk-in hours, documents, and referral process Whether court, juvenile, probation, or reentry status affects program fit

Area Des Moines / Polk County

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Rural Access & Stabilization Paths

Joppa — Homeless Outreach & Housing-Support Pathways Homeless outreach and resource-support provider in Des Moines that helps people experiencing homelessness survive, find housing, and rebuild stability. Housing placement depends on program capacity, outreach assessment, and available pathways.

Outreach Housing Support Confirm current pathway

Contact joppa.org (515) 288-5699 2326 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

Ask Resource center access, outreach support, housing-navigation options, and current program capacity Whether the pathway can support address verification or supervision planning

Area Des Moines / Polk County

YMCA Supportive Housing Campus — Des Moines Supportive housing campus in Des Moines that may serve people needing longer-term stabilization support. Availability, referral process, eligibility, and screening rules should be confirmed directly before relying on this option for a supervision-approved housing plan.

Supportive Housing Confirm intake Screening may apply

Contact Ask YMCA of Greater Des Moines for Supportive Housing Campus intake or referral instructions. Campus references list 2 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50309.

Ask Current availability, eligibility, referral source, screening rules, fees, and lease/program terms Whether residents on supervision can be accepted and verified in writing

Area Des Moines / Polk County

Mid-Iowa Community Action — Housing & Community Support Community Action agency serving Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek, Story, and Tama counties. Housing support, utility assistance, family support, and stabilization resources may vary by county, funding, and eligibility.

Community Action Housing Support Funding varies

Contact micaonline.org (641) 752-7162 info@micaonline.org 1001 S. 18th Ave., Marshalltown, IA 50158

Ask Housing assistance, eviction-prevention, energy assistance, documentation, and county-specific availability Whether assistance can support a proposed residence or stabilization plan

Area Hardin / Marshall / Poweshiek / Story / Tama

The Bridge Home — Ames / Story County Housing Pathway Story County homelessness-support pathway focused on helping people move from homelessness toward housing. Services may include shelter-related support, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, family support, and case-management connection depending on eligibility and availability.

Homelessness Support Rapid Rehousing Confirm intake

Access Ask for current shelter, housing-navigation, rapid-rehousing, or prevention intake instructions. Use local Story County provider contacts before traveling for shelter.

Ask Current intake process, eligibility, wait times, documents, and referral requirements Whether address verification or supervision-compatible placement support is available

Area Ames / Story County

YSS — Story County & Boone County Youth Support Youth and young-adult support provider with Central Iowa locations in Ames and Boone. Housing-related access depends on age, program eligibility, referral pathway, and current service availability.

Youth Support Ames / Boone Age eligibility

Contact yss.org/about-us/locations YSS of Story County: (515) 233-3141 YSS of Boone County: 105 South Marshall Street, Boone, IA 50036

Ask Housing-related youth programs, crisis support, life-skills support, age limits, and referral steps Whether juvenile, court, probation, or reentry status affects eligibility

Area Ames / Boone / Central Iowa

Central Iowa Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization across Central Iowa, but each home has its own fees, rules, interview process, drug testing, curfew, medication policies, visitor rules, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, treatment court, or work release are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Central Iowa / confirm by home

Private Landlords, Room Rentals & Extended-Stay Options Central Iowa has a mix of private landlords, shared housing, room rentals, mobile homes, apartments, and extended-stay options. These may be practical when shelter or program beds are unavailable, but screening, deposits, lease terms, and supervision approval must be checked first.

Independent Housing Screening varies Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, and landlord contact information.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for work, treatment, reporting, and curfew compliance

Area Central Iowa metro and rural counties

Eastern Iowa Corridor

Counties: Linn, Johnson, Benton, Iowa, Jones, Cedar, and Washington. Cities and communities include Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Solon, Washington, Vinton, Williamsburg, Anamosa, Tipton, and surrounding Eastern Iowa Corridor communities.

✅ Verified Shelter, Transitional & Housing-Linked Providers

Willis Dady Homeless Services — Shelter & Housing Support Cedar Rapids homeless-services provider offering emergency shelter, case management, housing support, and veteran-focused housing support. Shelter access is coordinated through the local housing-services pathway before placement.

Emergency Shelter Case Management Veterans Support

Contact willisdady.org Main: (319) 362-7555 Housing / shelter services: (319) 366-7999 Veterans housing support: (319) 651-8545

Ask Coordinated entry steps, shelter availability, case-management process, and veteran-program eligibility Whether program documentation can support supervision address planning

Area Cedar Rapids / Linn County

Waypoint — Housing Services & Homelessness Diversion Cedar Rapids nonprofit providing housing services, homelessness diversion, eviction-prevention support, domestic violence services, survivor services, and resource navigation for people facing housing instability.

Housing Services Diversion / Prevention Linn Area

Access waypointservices.org Housing services: (319) 366-7999 Main organization: waypointservices.org

Ask Housing help portal, diversion process, eviction-prevention support, shelter referral steps, and documents Whether the pathway can coordinate with supervision, treatment, or reentry planning

Area Cedar Rapids / Linn, Benton, and Jones access

Shelter House — Iowa City Emergency Shelter & Housing Stabilization Johnson County shelter and housing-stabilization provider offering emergency shelter, drop-in services, employment support, eviction prevention, housing stabilization, permanent supportive housing, mental health recovery support, and veterans assistance.

Emergency Shelter Housing Stabilization Veterans Assistance

Contact shelterhouseiowa.org (319) 351-0326 info@shelterhouseiowa.org 429 Southgate Ave., Iowa City, IA 52240

Ask Emergency shelter intake, eligibility, current bed availability, housing-stabilization programs, and documents Whether probation, parole, treatment court, or reentry status affects placement or verification

Area Iowa City / Johnson and Washington County access

Iowa City Housing Authority — Public Housing & Voucher Pathways Local housing authority connected to public housing, voucher-related housing access, and local affordable-housing navigation. Applicants should confirm waitlists, application rules, screening standards, and whether a specific address can satisfy supervision requirements.

Housing Authority Voucher Pathway Waitlists / screening

Access Iowa City Housing Authority For immediate homelessness needs, Iowa City directs residents to Shelter House at (319) 351-0326.

Ask Application status, waitlists, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, and required documents Whether a housing authority or landlord can provide address confirmation for supervision planning

Area Iowa City / Johnson County

Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County — Affordable Housing Support Johnson County affordable-housing organization focused on safe, decent, and affordable housing. It is more useful for affordable-housing system support, housing assistance pathways, public education, and local housing resource navigation than immediate shelter placement.

Affordable Housing Housing Resource Not emergency shelter

Contact htfjc.org (319) 358-0212 26 E. Market St. #123, Iowa City, IA 52245 Mailing: PO Box 2446, Iowa City, IA 52244

Ask Affordable housing resources, homeowner assistance, repair programs, referral options, and local housing initiatives Use direct shelter or coordinated-entry contacts for urgent placement needs

Area Johnson County

DVIP / RVAP — Transitional & Permanent Housing for Survivors Domestic Violence Intervention Program / Rape Victim Advocacy Program provides confidential survivor services and identifies transitional and permanent housing support for eligible survivors. This is a safety-sensitive pathway, not a general housing placement route.

Survivor Housing Confidential Services Eligibility / safety planning

Contact dvipiowa.org 1105 S. Gilbert Court, Iowa City, IA 52240 Services are listed as free and confidential.

Ask safely Use a safe phone or advocate-supported contact method if safety is a concern Ask about housing eligibility, safety planning, documents, and confidentiality limits before sharing address details

Area Johnson, Cedar, Iowa, Washington, and broader service area

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Youth, Recovery & Stabilization Paths

Foundation 2 — Youth Shelter & Crisis Pathways Cedar Rapids youth crisis and shelter pathway that may support minors and youth in crisis. Eligibility, consent, age rules, referral requirements, court involvement, and family-safety planning should be confirmed directly before referral.

Youth Shelter Crisis Support Age / referral rules

Access Ask for youth shelter, crisis, and referral instructions through Foundation 2’s current intake channels. Confirm whether juvenile court, probation, or family-safety circumstances affect placement.

Ask Age eligibility, guardian consent, referral process, current openings, school coordination, and safety planning Whether documentation can support court or supervision planning if applicable

Area Cedar Rapids / Linn County

Catherine McAuley Center — Women, Refugee & Immigrant Support Pathways Cedar Rapids support provider connected to stabilization services for women, immigrants, refugees, and people rebuilding independence. Housing-related support depends on program eligibility, referral fit, and current service capacity.

Women’s Support Stabilization Program-specific intake

Access Ask for current housing-related support, stabilization services, and referral eligibility. Best used as a program-fit pathway, not an emergency shelter replacement.

Ask Eligibility, referral documents, case-management availability, and whether housing support is direct or referral-based Whether supervision or court involvement affects program access

Area Cedar Rapids / Linn County

Domestic Violence Survivor Housing Pathways — Linn Area Survivor housing and emergency shelter access may be available through confidential domestic-violence service pathways. This should be handled through safety planning, confidential intake, and direct provider guidance rather than public address-sharing.

Survivor Safety Confidential Pathway Do not disclose unsafe details

Safety note Use a safe phone or advocate-supported contact method. Ask Waypoint or the local survivor-service provider for confidential housing guidance.

Ask safely Emergency safety plan, confidential shelter access, transitional housing, documents, and protective-order considerations Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Linn / Benton / Jones access

Eastern Iowa Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living homes may support stabilization for people in recovery, but each home has its own rules, fees, interview process, drug testing, curfew, medication policy, transportation expectations, and supervision-compatibility requirements.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for current openings, house rules, fees, visitor rules, curfew, drug-testing rules, medication policies, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Cedar Rapids / Iowa City corridor

Private Landlords, Room Rentals & Extended-Stay Options The Cedar Rapids–Iowa City corridor has private landlords, shared housing, apartment rentals, mobile homes, room rentals, and extended-stay options. These may be practical when program beds are unavailable, but screening, lease terms, deposits, transportation, and supervision approval must be checked before payment.

Independent Housing Screening varies Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, landlord contact, and move-in terms.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Eastern Iowa Corridor

Rural County Housing Access — Benton, Iowa, Jones, Cedar & Washington Smaller counties in the Eastern Iowa Corridor may rely on nearby Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, or county-specific providers for shelter, prevention, recovery housing, and landlord-based options. Transportation and county-supervision rules should be checked before choosing an out-of-county placement.

Rural Access Regional Referral Confirm service area

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before traveling. Confirm reporting location, transportation, treatment access, and curfew compatibility.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county placement can be approved before committing

Area Benton / Iowa / Jones / Cedar / Washington

Quad Cities & Southeast Iowa Corridor

Counties: Scott, Clinton, Muscatine, Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Louisa, Jefferson, and Van Buren. Cities and communities include Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge, Le Claire, Clinton, DeWitt, Muscatine, Burlington, West Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, Fairfield, Wapello, and surrounding river-corridor communities.

✅ Verified Shelter, Transitional & Housing-Linked Providers

Humility Homes & Services — Emergency Shelter, Housing & Veterans Programs Quad Cities housing and homelessness provider offering emergency shelter, housing assistance, permanent housing pathways, veterans housing support, and stabilization services. Help is listed as available 24/7 through the get-help number.

Emergency Shelter Housing Support Veterans Programs

Contact humilityhomes.org Get Help: (563) 322-8065 Administrative Office: (563) 326-1330 Emergency Shelter: 1016 W. 5th St., Davenport, IA 52802

Ask Current shelter availability, coordinated entry steps, housing-program eligibility, and veteran-program access Whether documentation can support probation, parole, work release, or treatment-court address planning

Area Davenport / Scott County / Quad Cities

The Salvation Army Quad Cities — Shelter & Housing Programs Quad Cities housing-support pathway offering family shelter and emergency overnight housing support or referral to partner shelter programs. Access depends on current capacity, household type, eligibility, and local funding.

Family Shelter Emergency Housing Capacity varies

Access Quad Cities housing programs Ask for current housing, shelter, and emergency overnight assistance instructions. Use local corps contact information from the Quad Cities Salvation Army page.

Ask Family shelter eligibility, referral steps, length of stay, required documents, and current funding availability Whether the placement can be verified for supervision or court-related housing planning

Area Scott County / Quad Cities

King’s Harvest — Emergency Shelter Pathway Davenport emergency shelter pathway listed in Scott County housing resources. Availability may be seasonal or capacity-dependent, so users should confirm current intake rules before relying on this option for immediate placement.

Emergency Shelter Davenport Confirm current access

Contact Phone listed in Scott County housing-resource references: (563) 570-4536 Confirm current shelter hours, eligibility, and intake location before travel.

Ask Current shelter availability, winter/seasonal status, check-in time, documents, and length-of-stay rules Whether the shelter can provide basic verification for supervision reporting if needed

Area Davenport / Scott County

Burlington Area Homeless Shelter Emergency shelter provider in Burlington serving people in need of shelter in Des Moines County. Community Action of Southeast Iowa lists the shelter at 123 North Marshall Street with direct phone access.

Emergency Shelter Burlington Des Moines County

Contact 123 North Marshall St., Burlington, IA (319) 754-6791 Call before travel to confirm current intake and bed availability.

Ask Current bed availability, check-in time, length of stay, documents, and service-area rules Whether shelter verification can be provided for supervision reporting or court-related housing planning

Area Burlington / Des Moines County

Transitions DMC — Burlington Shelter & Housing Transition Program Burlington homeless shelter offering a short-term program focused on moving clients from homelessness toward a permanent housing solution. Listed as a 13-bed shelter with individualized services based on client needs.

Shelter Housing Transition Limited beds

Contact transitionsdmc.org 515 South Main St., Burlington, IA (319) 209-2217

Ask Current bed availability, 30-day program rules, documents, service-area rules, and housing-transition planning Whether people on probation, parole, or work release can participate and receive verification

Area Burlington / Des Moines County

Emma Cornelius Hospitality House — Fort Madison Shelter Pathway Fort Madison shelter pathway listed by Community Action of Southeast Iowa for Lee County. Shelter access should be confirmed directly because capacity, length of stay, and eligibility may change.

Emergency Shelter Fort Madison Confirm availability

Contact 2733 Avenue N, Fort Madison, IA 52627 (319) 372-3983 Call before travel to confirm current access and intake requirements.

Ask Current openings, length of stay, documents, check-in rules, and service-area requirements Whether the shelter can provide verification for supervision or court planning if needed

Area Fort Madison / Lee County

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Community Action, Housing Authority & Rural Paths

Community Action of Southeast Iowa — Homeless Assistance & Shelter Navigation Community Action agency listing Southeast Iowa shelter and homeless-assistance resources, including Burlington Area Homeless Shelter, Transitions DMC, Emma Cornelius Hospitality House, and domestic-violence housing pathways.

Community Action Shelter Navigation Funding varies

Access caofseia.org Main office references list Burlington-area access and Southeast Iowa shelter contacts. General Burlington contact listed in housing resources: (319) 753-0193

Ask Homeless assistance, shelter referrals, eligibility, documents, county-specific support, and current funding Whether assistance can support a proposed address, shelter verification, or stabilization plan

Area Des Moines / Lee / Henry / Louisa access

Burlington Low Rent Housing Authority — Affordable Housing Pathway Local housing authority pathway in Burlington for low-income housing and rental assistance. Applicants should confirm waitlist status, criminal-history screening rules, voucher/public-housing rules, and required documents directly.

Housing Authority Rental Assistance Waitlists / screening

Contact Burlington, IA 52601 (319) 752-2142 Confirm current application and waitlist instructions before applying.

Ask Waitlist status, application method, criminal-history screening, denial appeal process, and required documents Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Burlington / Des Moines County

Fort Madison Housing Authority — Rental Assistance & Low-Income Housing Lee County housing authority pathway for rental assistance and low-income housing in the Fort Madison area. Screening, waitlists, unit availability, and documentation requirements should be confirmed directly.

Housing Authority Low-Income Housing Waitlists / screening

Contact Fort Madison, IA 52627 (319) 372-6083 Confirm current waitlist, application, and screening rules.

Ask Application process, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, required documents, and denial appeal process Whether accepted housing can be documented for supervision planning

Area Fort Madison / Lee County

Keokuk Public Housing Authority — Local Affordable Housing Pathway Keokuk-area public housing pathway for low-income housing and rental assistance. Applicants should confirm waitlist status, eligibility, screening rules, and documentation before relying on this option for a move plan.

Public Housing Rental Assistance Confirm waitlist

Access Keokuk, IA 52632 Use local housing authority contact instructions from Lee County or housing-resource directories. Confirm current application and waitlist procedures before applying.

Ask Waitlist status, application requirements, criminal-history screening, required documents, and lease rules Whether accepted housing can satisfy supervision address approval requirements

Area Keokuk / Lee County

Lee County Community Services — General Assistance & Stabilization Support County community-services pathway for people seeking general assistance, stabilization help, referrals, or county-level support. Housing-related assistance depends on eligibility, documentation, funding, and local program rules.

County Support General Assistance Eligibility varies

Contact Lee County Community Services, 307 Bank Street, Keokuk, IA 52632 (319) 313-6811 Hours listed: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–12 PM and 1 PM–4:30 PM

Bring ID, income information, household information, notices, bills, shelter/housing details, and supervision-related documents if relevant Ask whether support can help with housing crisis, referral, rent, or stabilization needs

Area Lee County / Keokuk

Domestic Violence Survivor Housing Pathways — Southeast Iowa Confidential survivor-service pathways may help eligible survivors access emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, and housing-related support. This is a safety-sensitive route and should not be handled through public address sharing.

Survivor Safety Confidential Pathway Safety planning first

Safety access Community Action of Southeast Iowa lists Domestic Violence Intervention Program contact: 1-800-373-1043 Use a safe phone or advocate-supported contact method if safety is a concern.

Ask safely Emergency safety planning, confidential shelter, transitional housing, protective-order considerations, and documentation Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Southeast Iowa / confirm service area

Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization in the Quad Cities and Southeast Iowa corridor, but each home has its own fees, rules, interviews, drug testing, curfews, medication policies, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for current openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Quad Cities / Southeast Iowa corridor

Private Landlords, Room Rentals & Rural Placement Options This corridor includes metro rentals, small-town landlords, room rentals, mobile homes, extended-stay options, and rural housing. These may be practical when shelters are full, but screening, deposits, transportation, and supervision approval must be checked before payment.

Independent Housing Rural Access Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, landlord contact, and move-in terms.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Scott / Clinton / Muscatine / Southeast Iowa rural counties

Northeast Iowa

Counties: Black Hawk, Dubuque, Bremer, Fayette, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, and Howard. Cities and communities include Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Waverly, Dubuque, Dyersville, Manchester, Decorah, Waukon, Elkader, Independence, Oelwein, Cresco, New Hampton, and surrounding Northeast Iowa communities.

✅ Verified Shelter, Outreach, Transitional & Housing-Linked Providers

Waterloo / Cedar Falls Homeless Outreach Case Managers Local homelessness access pathway listed by the City of Waterloo for people in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area who need medical services, dental care, meals, shelter connection, and community-service navigation.

Outreach Access Shelter Connection Black Hawk County

Access City of Waterloo homelessness resources Ask for homeless outreach case-management contact through the listed Waterloo/Cedar Falls homelessness resource pathway. Peoples Community Health Clinic is referenced as a connection point for outreach and community-service linkage.

Ask Shelter connection, outreach assessment, medical or dental support, meal access, documents, and local housing-service referrals Whether the outreach contact can help coordinate with probation, parole, treatment court, or reentry planning

Area Waterloo / Cedar Falls / Black Hawk County

The Salvation Army Waterloo — Emergency Shelter Pathway Emergency shelter and homeless-relief pathway serving Black Hawk County. Public materials describe emergency housing options for people who have nowhere to go due to dangerous weather, personal tragedy, natural disaster, or homelessness.

Emergency Shelter Waterloo Capacity varies

Access Waterloo housing assistance Call the local Waterloo Salvation Army contact before travel to confirm current shelter access.

Ask Current shelter availability, check-in rules, documents, length of stay, service-area rules, and weather-related access Whether shelter verification can be provided for supervision reporting if needed

Area Waterloo / Black Hawk County

Friends of the Family — Housing & Victim Services Northeast Iowa provider offering housing assistance, homelessness support, advocacy, victim services, domestic-abuse support, sexual-assault support, human-trafficking support, and permanent-housing application assistance across a multi-county service area.

Housing Services Victim Services 25-County Area

Contact fofia.org Housing services: Housing Services page Victim services hotline: (319) 352-0037 Waypoint Call Center listed by FOF: (833) 739-0065

Ask Housing assistance eligibility, rental assistance, case management, advocacy, service area, documents, and current program capacity For survivor-related housing, ask about confidential intake and safety planning before sharing address details

Area Waverly / Waterloo / Northeast Iowa service area

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation — Housing & Homelessness Support Community Action provider for Northeast Iowa offering housing and homelessness support services, including housing hotline access, supportive housing, rural housing programs, rental assistance, and case-management pathways depending on eligibility and funding.

Community Action Housing Hotline Rural Housing

Access neicac.org Housing services hotline: (319) 233-3094 Housing and homelessness support services

Ask Supportive housing, rural housing, ESG assistance, rental assistance, case management, documents, and county-specific eligibility Whether assistance can support a proposed residence, stabilization plan, or supervision-compatible housing plan

Area Northeast Iowa rural counties

House of Hope — Cedar Valley Housing for Women & Families Waterloo-area housing and support pathway for single mothers experiencing homelessness and young women aging out of foster care. Programming includes safe housing, community support, life skills, job training, money management, and independence-building support.

Women / Families Safe Housing Eligibility applies

Contact houseofhopeccd.org Ask for current program eligibility, openings, and application steps.

Ask Eligibility for single mothers, young women aging out of foster care, housing availability, documents, program expectations, and waitlist status Whether court, probation, or reentry status affects program fit or address verification

Area Waterloo / Cedar Valley

Iowa PATH — Waterloo & Dubuque Housing-Homelessness Transition Iowa’s PATH program supports people experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness through outreach and transition support. Iowa HHS identifies Waterloo and Dubuque among the provider-agency locations for PATH services.

PATH Outreach Behavioral Health Provider-specific access

Access Iowa HHS PATH program Ask local providers or HHS-linked contacts for Waterloo or Dubuque PATH access instructions.

Ask Eligibility, outreach process, behavioral-health linkage, housing-transition support, documents, and referral steps Whether the pathway can coordinate with reentry, treatment, or supervision planning

Area Waterloo / Dubuque provider areas

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Safety, Rural Access & Recovery Paths

Dubuque Shelter, Catholic Charities & Reentry-Support Pathways Dubuque-area housing access may involve local shelter resources, Catholic Charities jail and prison reentry support, rapid housing programs, behavioral-health outreach, and city or county housing-navigation contacts. Confirm current intake before travel because program access can change.

Dubuque Access Reentry Support Confirm current intake

Access Start with Dubuque-area homeless-service, PATH, Catholic Charities, or county housing contacts for current intake instructions. Confirm shelter availability and eligibility before traveling from rural counties.

Ask Emergency shelter, reentry support, rapid housing, behavioral-health housing transition, documents, and referral source requirements Whether placement or referral can support probation, parole, or work-release address planning

Area Dubuque / Dubuque County

Domestic Violence & Survivor Housing Pathways — Cedar Valley Confidential survivor-service pathways may help eligible survivors access emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, rental assistance, permanent-housing applications, and housing-related support. Address safety should come before supervision logistics.

Survivor Safety Confidential Pathway Safety planning first

Safety access Use Friends of the Family or local survivor-service contacts through a safe phone or advocate-supported method. Victim services hotline: (319) 352-0037

Ask safely Emergency shelter, safety planning, confidential housing, rental assistance, advocacy, documents, and protective-order considerations Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Cedar Valley / Northeast Iowa service area

Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Decorah, Waverly, and rural Northeast Iowa, but each home has its own fees, interviews, drug testing, curfews, visitor rules, medication policies, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, visitor rules, curfew, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Northeast Iowa / confirm by home

Local Housing Authorities — Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Dubuque Housing authority and affordable-housing pathways may support longer-term stabilization through public housing, voucher programs, subsidized properties, or local affordable-housing referrals. Waitlists, criminal-history screening, and eligibility rules vary by authority and property.

Housing Authority Affordable Housing Waitlists / screening

Access Contact the local housing authority or property manager for Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, or nearby communities. Ask whether applications are open before submitting documents or fees.

Ask Application method, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, required documents, and lease rules Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Black Hawk / Dubuque local authority areas

Private Landlords, Room Rentals, Apartments & Rural Housing Northeast Iowa includes university-town rentals, river-community rentals, small-town landlords, mobile homes, shared housing, room rentals, and extended-stay options. These may be practical when program beds are unavailable, but address approval, transportation, screening, and deposits must be checked first.

Independent Housing Rural Access Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, landlord contact, and move-in terms.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Northeast Iowa cities and rural counties

Rural County Placement Planning — Northeast Iowa Smaller Northeast Iowa counties may rely on Waterloo, Dubuque, Decorah, Waverly, Manchester, or Community Action pathways for housing support. Before choosing an out-of-county placement, confirm transportation, reporting location, treatment access, employment access, and curfew feasibility.

Rural Access Transportation Confirm service area

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before travel. Confirm reporting, treatment, work, transportation, and curfew compatibility before committing.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county placement can be approved before paying deposits or fees

Area Rural Northeast Iowa counties

Western Iowa

Counties: Pottawattamie, Woodbury, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Shelby, Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Page, and Montgomery. Cities and communities include Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, Missouri Valley, Logan, Glenwood, Harlan, Atlantic, Denison, Onawa, Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff, Le Mars access, and surrounding Western Iowa communities.

✅ Verified Shelter, Transitional & Housing-Linked Providers

MICAH House — Council Bluffs Emergency Shelter & Family Support Emergency shelter and support pathway in Council Bluffs for people facing homelessness in the metro area. Public contact information directs people seeking emergency services to call MICAH House directly.

Emergency Shelter Family Support Council Bluffs

Contact themicahhouse.org (712) 323-4416 1415 Avenue J, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Ask Emergency shelter availability, intake process, household eligibility, documents, length of stay, and case-management access Whether shelter verification can support probation, parole, treatment court, or reentry address planning

Area Council Bluffs / Pottawattamie County

New Visions Homeless Services — Men’s Shelter & Housing Referrals Southwest Iowa homeless-services provider operating a 24-hour emergency shelter for men in Council Bluffs, with shower and meal access, case management, counseling or therapy referrals, and housing resources or referrals.

Men’s Shelter Case Management Housing Referrals

Contact newvisionshs.org Campus: 1435 N. 15th St., Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Main: (712) 322-7570 Emergency shelter page lists: (712) 256-3940

Ask Current bed availability, check-in time, shelter rules, documents, case management, and housing referral process Whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted and can receive verification

Area Council Bluffs / Southwest Iowa

Pottawattamie County Community Services — Local Housing Resource Path County resource page listing local housing and homelessness contacts, including Family Housing Advisory Services, Homeless Link, Interfaith, New Visions, Salvation Army, and utility-assistance support through West Central Development.

County Resource Housing Contacts Council Bluffs Area

Access Pottawattamie County resources Homeless Link: (712) 309-0016 Family Housing Advisory: (712) 322-4436 Interfaith: (712) 322-0531

Ask Which local contact fits the person’s housing crisis, family status, age, veteran status, utility need, or shelter need Whether any provider can issue documentation for supervision or court-related housing planning

Area Pottawattamie County / Council Bluffs area

The Gospel Mission — Sioux City Shelters Sioux City faith-based shelter provider serving people experiencing homelessness. Public materials describe shelters for men, women and children, and men with children, along with meals, clothing, and spiritual support.

Emergency Shelter Men / Women / Children Sioux City

Contact thegospelmission.org Call the mission directly for current shelter access, intake, and location instructions. Confirm current shelter availability before travel.

Ask Current bed availability, shelter type, check-in rules, documents, length-of-stay rules, meals, and program expectations Whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court can be accepted and verified

Area Sioux City / Woodbury County / Siouxland

Crittenton Center — Sioux City Family, Child & Youth Support Sioux City nonprofit focused on sheltering, educating, and empowering children, individuals, and families. Public resources identify family-oriented services, child and family development, child welfare and well-being, and community homelessness referral resources.

Family / Youth Support Shelter Resource Linkage Program-specific intake

Contact crittentoncenter.org 4212 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA 51106 Community resources page

Ask Current youth, family, child welfare, supervised-living, shelter-linkage, or community-resource options Whether juvenile, court, probation, or reentry status affects program fit or referral routing

Area Sioux City / Woodbury County

Community Action Agency of Siouxland — Housing Crisis & Stabilization Support Siouxland Community Action provider serving low-income families and individuals in need. Housing-related support may include general assistance connection, rent or utility help, stabilization resources, and referrals depending on eligibility, funding, and county rules.

Community Action Stabilization Support Funding varies

Contact caasiouxland.org 2700 Leech Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51106 Ask for current housing, rent, utility, or general-assistance navigation.

Bring ID, income information, household information, lease or notice, utility bill, housing-crisis details, and county residency information Ask whether assistance can support a proposed residence or stabilization plan

Area Sioux City / Woodbury County / Siouxland

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Rural Access, Recovery & Cross-Border Paths

Heartland Family Service — Rapid Re-Housing Pathway Rapid re-housing services may support people experiencing homelessness with housing relocation, stabilization services, and temporary financial assistance. Public service-area materials include Pottawattamie County in Iowa along with Nebraska metro counties.

Rapid Re-Housing Housing Stabilization Eligibility / referral

Access heartlandfamilyservice.org Ask for Pottawattamie County service-area access and referral requirements.

Ask Eligibility, referral source, housing-location support, financial-assistance duration, documents, and case-management requirements Whether the pathway can coordinate with supervision address approval or reentry planning

Area Pottawattamie County / Omaha-Council Bluffs metro

Council Bluffs Homeless Outreach Program — Outreach Coordination City homelessness outreach coordination pathway created to support a coordinated response to homelessness in Council Bluffs. It is not a shelter itself, but may help connect unsheltered people to local services and appropriate response partners.

Outreach Coordination Not direct shelter

Access Council Bluffs HOP Use direct shelter contacts for immediate bed needs.

Use for Unsheltered outreach coordination, service connection, community-health coaching, and local navigation Ask direct providers for shelter verification or housing documentation

Area Council Bluffs / Pottawattamie County

Sioux City Homelessness Resource Path — Coordinated Entry, Warming Shelter & SafePlace Sioux City community-resource references identify coordinated entry or neighborhood services, The Warming Shelter, The Gospel Mission, SafePlace for domestic-violence concerns, Siouxland Soup Kitchen, and Hope Center food pantry as local access points.

Coordinated Entry Warming Shelter Survivor Safety

Access Sioux City community resources Use direct provider contacts for immediate shelter or domestic-violence safety needs.

Ask Coordinated entry, warming shelter access, immediate shelter, survivor safety, meals, food pantry, documents, and current hours Whether a provider can support supervision reporting or housing-plan verification

Area Sioux City / Woodbury County

Domestic Violence & Survivor Housing Pathways — Western Iowa Confidential survivor-service pathways may help eligible survivors access emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, and housing-related support. Address safety should be handled before supervision logistics, and unsafe address disclosure should be avoided.

Survivor Safety Confidential Pathway Safety planning first

Safety access Use SafePlace or local survivor-service contacts through a safe phone or advocate-supported method. For immediate danger, call emergency services.

Ask safely Emergency shelter, safety planning, confidential housing, advocacy, protective-order concerns, and documentation Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Western Iowa / Siouxland / Council Bluffs access

Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization in Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Atlantic, Denison, Harlan, and surrounding Western Iowa communities. Each home has its own fees, interviews, drug testing, curfews, visitor rules, medication policies, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, visitor rules, curfew, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Western Iowa / confirm by home

Private Landlords, Room Rentals, Apartments & Rural Housing Western Iowa includes metro rentals, rural landlords, mobile homes, shared housing, room rentals, extended-stay options, and cross-border housing questions near Omaha and Siouxland. These may be practical when program beds are unavailable, but address approval, travel rules, screening, and deposits must be checked first.

Independent Housing Rural / Border Access Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Out-of-state housing near Omaha, South Sioux City, or Nebraska may require special approval.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Western Iowa cities and rural counties

Rural County Placement Planning — Western Iowa Smaller Western Iowa counties may rely on Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Omaha-area partnerships, local Community Action contacts, housing authorities, churches, or private landlords. Before choosing an out-of-county or cross-border placement, confirm transportation, reporting location, treatment access, employment access, and curfew feasibility.

Rural Access Transportation Confirm service area

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before travel. Confirm reporting, treatment, work, transportation, curfew, and interstate travel rules before committing.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county or out-of-state placement can be approved before paying deposits or fees

Area Rural Western Iowa counties

Northwest & North Central Iowa

Counties: Cerro Gordo, Webster, Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Sioux, O’Brien, Osceola, Lyon, Emmet, Palo Alto, Kossuth, Humboldt, Hancock, Winnebago, Worth, Wright, Pocahontas, Calhoun, Sac, Ida, and Plymouth. Cities and communities include Mason City, Clear Lake, Fort Dodge access, Spencer, Storm Lake, Cherokee, Spirit Lake, Okoboji, Algona, Humboldt, Garner, Forest City, Rock Rapids, Orange City, Sheldon, Sibley, Le Mars, and surrounding Northwest and North Central Iowa communities.

✅ Verified Housing Assistance, Shelter Navigation & Community Support

North Iowa Community Action Organization — Housing Assistance & Crisis Support North Iowa Community Action Organization provides outreach and crisis-support pathways that may include housing assistance for eligible households at risk of homelessness. Its Mason City office is a key North Iowa access point for stabilization support.

Community Action Housing Assistance North Iowa

Contact nicao-online.org Mason City Family Resource Center: 100 1st Street NW, Suite 140, Mason City, IA 50401 Phone: (641) 423-7766 Toll-free: 1-800-873-1899

Bring ID, income information, household information, rent or utility notices, current housing status, and county residency details Ask whether assistance can support a proposed residence, eviction prevention, homelessness prevention, or stabilization plan

Area North Iowa / Mason City access

Mason City Housing Authority — Voucher & VASH Housing Pathway Local housing authority pathway in Mason City. Public city information states the authority assists households through Section 8 voucher rental assistance and Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers.

Housing Authority Vouchers Veterans Support

Access Mason City Housing Authority Ask for current application, waitlist, voucher, and VASH instructions.

Ask Waitlist status, application method, criminal-history screening, denial appeal process, documents, and lease rules Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Mason City / Cerro Gordo County

Upper Des Moines Opportunity — Housing & Homelessness Support Northwest and North Central Iowa community-action pathway that may support eligible households with housing, homelessness, utility, and stabilization needs depending on county, funding, and documentation.

Community Action Housing / Homelessness Funding varies

Access Use the nearest Upper Des Moines Opportunity county office for current housing or homelessness assistance instructions. Sioux County resource references list UDMO Sibley at (712) 754-2573.

Bring ID, income, household documents, lease or notice, utility bill, shelter/housing details, and county residency information Ask whether assistance can support rent, utilities, shelter connection, homelessness prevention, or a proposed residence

Area Northwest Iowa / county-office dependent

CAASA — Survivor Advocacy, Shelter/Housing & Safety Pathways Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault provides advocacy and safety support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking across Northwest Iowa. Regional listings identify CAASA as connected to shelter/housing, transportation, emergency/crisis resources, legal advocacy, and education.

Survivor Safety Shelter / Housing Northwest Iowa

Safety access caasaonline.org CAASA Cherokee reference: (712) 262-4612 Regional hotline reference: 1-877-362-4612 Use a safe phone or advocate-supported contact method.

Ask safely Emergency shelter, safety planning, confidential housing, advocacy, transportation, legal support, and documentation Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Northwest Iowa survivor-service area

Friends of the Family — Mason City / North Iowa Housing & Crisis Services Friends of the Family is listed in public advocacy and shelter resources as serving North Iowa through safe shelter, confidential services, housing assistance, re-housing support, homelessness assistance, and employment-related support for people in crisis.

Housing Assistance Crisis Services Mason City Access

Access fofia.org Ask for Mason City or North Iowa housing-services access and current intake instructions. Victim services hotline: (319) 352-0037

Ask Housing assistance, re-housing, homeless housing support, survivor services, rental assistance, documents, and county service area For confidential safety issues, ask about address protection before coordinating supervision paperwork

Area Mason City / North Iowa / confirm county coverage

Fort Dodge / Webster County Housing Access Path Fort Dodge and Webster County housing stabilization may involve local housing authority contacts, community-action support, private landlords, recovery housing, county services, and regional homelessness referrals. Confirm direct intake and eligibility before relying on any single option.

Regional Access Housing Support Confirm direct intake

Access Start with local Webster County housing authority, community action, county services, or direct provider contacts. Ask whether emergency shelter, prevention, rental assistance, or referral options are currently available.

Ask Current shelter access, housing authority waitlists, rental assistance, documents, case management, and provider referrals Whether the option can support supervision address approval or reentry planning

Area Fort Dodge / Webster County

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Rural Access, Recovery & Independent Housing Paths

Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Spencer, Storm Lake, Cherokee, Spirit Lake, Algona, and surrounding counties. Each home has its own fees, interviews, drug testing, curfews, visitor rules, medication policies, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, visitor rules, curfew, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Northwest / North Central Iowa / confirm by home

Private Landlords, Room Rentals, Apartments & Rural Housing Northwest and North Central Iowa includes small-town landlords, mobile homes, apartments, shared housing, room rentals, extended-stay options, seasonal-market rentals near the lakes, and rural housing. These may be practical when program beds are unavailable, but screening, deposits, transportation, and supervision approval must be checked first.

Independent Housing Rural Access Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, landlord contact, and move-in terms.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Northwest and North Central Iowa

Local Housing Authorities & Subsidized Housing Housing authority, voucher, and subsidized-housing pathways may support longer-term stabilization in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, Spencer, Spirit Lake, Cherokee, Algona, and nearby communities. Waitlists, criminal-history screening, income rules, and documentation vary by authority and property.

Housing Authority Affordable Housing Waitlists / screening

Access Contact the local housing authority or property manager for the city or county where the person plans to live. Ask whether applications are open before submitting documents or fees.

Ask Application method, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, required documents, and lease rules Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Northwest and North Central Iowa local authority areas

Lakes Region Housing Planning — Dickinson, Clay, Emmet, Osceola & O’Brien The Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding counties may have seasonal rental pressure, limited shelter options, and transportation challenges. Practical housing may involve private landlords, mobile homes, extended-stay options, county services, recovery housing, or Community Action support.

Seasonal Market Rural Access Confirm availability

Check Confirm year-round availability, lease terms, winter transportation, employment access, and distance to reporting or treatment. Ask whether service providers cover the person’s county before travel.

Prep Proposed address, landlord or provider contact, move-in date, transportation plan, work plan, and reporting schedule Confirm supervision approval before paying deposits or committing to seasonal housing

Area Spirit Lake / Okoboji / Spencer regional access

Storm Lake, Cherokee & Rural County Placement Planning Storm Lake, Cherokee, Pocahontas, Calhoun, Sac, and Ida County housing access may rely on county offices, Community Action pathways, survivor-service providers, private landlords, recovery housing, and regional referrals. Confirm local service-area rules and transportation before selecting an address.

Rural Access Community Action Confirm service area

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before travel. Confirm reporting, treatment, work, transportation, curfew, and supervision approval requirements before committing.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county placement can be approved before paying deposits or fees

Area Storm Lake / Cherokee / rural Northwest Iowa counties

Far Northwest Iowa Placement Planning — Sioux, Lyon, Osceola & Plymouth Far Northwest Iowa may require coordination across small-town landlords, Community Action offices, county services, faith-based support, recovery housing, and nearby Sioux City or South Dakota/Nebraska border access. Cross-border placement may require special supervision approval.

Rural / Border Access Transportation Confirm travel rules

Check Confirm whether the proposed address is in Iowa or across a state line. Ask about reporting, treatment, work, transportation, and curfew feasibility before committing.

Prep Proposed address, landlord or provider contact, move-in date, transportation plan, and reporting schedule Confirm officer approval before paying deposits, application fees, or cross-border housing costs

Area Sioux / Lyon / Osceola / Plymouth counties

Rural County Placement Planning — North Central Iowa North Central Iowa counties may rely on Mason City, Fort Dodge, Algona, Humboldt, Garner, Forest City, county services, Community Action offices, housing authorities, private landlords, and regional referrals. Transportation and reporting feasibility should be checked before selecting a rural address.

Rural Access Transportation Confirm placement

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before travel. Confirm reporting, treatment, work, transportation, and curfew compatibility before committing.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county placement can be approved before paying deposits or fees

Area North Central Iowa rural counties

Southern & Rural Iowa

Counties: Wapello, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Lucas, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis, Decatur, Clarke, Union, Ringgold, Taylor, Adams, Adair, Madison, Warren, Jasper, Poweshiek, Keokuk, and Jefferson. Cities and communities include Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Pella, Knoxville, Albia, Chariton, Corydon, Centerville, Bloomfield, Leon, Osceola, Creston, Mount Ayr, Bedford, Corning, Greenfield, Winterset, Indianola, Newton, Grinnell, Sigourney, Fairfield, and surrounding Southern Iowa communities.

✅ Verified Community Action, Housing Authority, Shelter & Rural Support

Sieda Community Action — Ottumwa & Southeast/Southern Iowa Stabilization Community Action provider headquartered in Ottumwa. Sieda serves low-income individuals and families with support that may include housing-related stabilization, utilities, crisis help, family development, and referrals depending on county, eligibility, funding, and documentation.

Community Action Housing Support Ottumwa Access

Contact sieda.org Administrative Office: 725 West Second Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501 (641) 682-8741 Toll-free: 1-800-622-8340 admin@sieda.org

Bring ID, income information, household documents, county residency, lease or notice, utility bill, and housing-crisis details Ask whether assistance can support rent, utilities, homeless prevention, stabilization, or a proposed residence

Area Ottumwa / Wapello and surrounding service counties

South Central Iowa Community Action Program — Housing & Self-Sufficiency Support South Central Iowa Community Action Program helps families address housing, money management, education, employment, food, and related self-sufficiency needs. Housing-related support depends on county office access, eligibility, funding, and current program availability.

Community Action Housing / Stability South Central Iowa

Access scicap.org Use the nearest county office or program contact for current housing and stabilization instructions.

Bring ID, income, household information, county residency, lease or housing notice, utility bill, and housing-crisis details Ask whether support can assist with housing stability, money management, employment linkage, or a proposed residence plan

Area South Central Iowa / county-office dependent

Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority — Creston Public Housing Pathway Public housing authority pathway listed for Creston and Union County. Applicants should confirm application status, waiting lists, eligibility, criminal-history screening, denial appeals, and required documents directly before relying on this option for a move plan.

Public Housing Creston Waitlists / screening

Contact 501 N. Park St., Creston, IA 50801 (641) 782-8585 Confirm current waitlist and application instructions before applying.

Ask Application method, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, required documents, and lease rules Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Creston / Union County

Community Action of Southeast Iowa — Rural Housing Assistance Pathway Community Action of Southeast Iowa provides housing assistance depending on local, state, federal, foundation, and donation funding. People seeking help are directed to call their local center and speak with a Family Development Specialist about their needs.

Community Action Housing Assistance Funding varies

Access caofseia.org housing assistance Call the nearest local center and ask for a Family Development Specialist. Main Burlington-area contact: (319) 753-0193

Bring ID, income, household information, lease or notice, utility bill, housing-crisis details, and county residency Ask whether assistance can support rent, deposits, homeless prevention, utility stability, or a proposed residence

Area Southeast and rural Southern Iowa counties

Crisis Center & Women’s Shelter — Ottumwa Survivor Housing Pathway Ottumwa-based crisis and women’s shelter pathway listed in Appanoose County housing resources. This is a safety-sensitive option for eligible survivors and should be accessed through confidential intake and safety planning.

Survivor Shelter Ottumwa Confidential access

Safety access Ottumwa, IA 52501 Hotline listed in housing resources: 1-800-464-8340 Use a safe phone or advocate-supported contact method if safety is a concern.

Ask safely Emergency shelter, safety planning, confidential housing, advocacy, documents, and protective-order considerations Coordinate supervision requirements carefully to avoid unsafe address disclosure

Area Ottumwa / Southern Iowa survivor-service access

Centerville Municipal Housing Agency — Rental Assistance & Low-Income Housing Local housing agency pathway listed for Centerville and Appanoose County. Public housing-resource listings identify rental assistance and low-income housing options. Applicants should confirm current waitlists, screening rules, and application requirements directly.

Housing Agency Rental Assistance Waitlists / screening

Contact Centerville, IA 52544 (641) 856-8742 Confirm current application, waitlist, and screening procedures.

Ask Application method, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, documents, and lease rules Whether accepted housing can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Centerville / Appanoose County

🛠️ Eligible Confirm-First, Rural Placement, Recovery & Independent Housing Paths

Chariton Valley Regional Housing Trust Fund — Housing Stability Resource Centerville-area housing trust fund pathway listed in Appanoose County housing resources. It may support housing stability through home repair, loans, grants, or related assistance, but it is not an emergency shelter.

Housing Trust Fund Repair / Stability Not emergency shelter

Contact Centerville, IA 52544 (641) 856-2744 Ask whether current programs are open and whether renters, owners, or landlords may qualify.

Ask Eligible counties, current funding, repair or stability assistance, application documents, and processing timeline Use direct shelters or Community Action pathways for urgent housing crisis needs

Area Centerville / Chariton Valley region

Mahaska County General Assistance — Oskaloosa Emergency Support Pathway County general-assistance pathway that may help eligible residents with emergency needs, including housing-related support depending on county rules, funding, documents, and eligibility. Confirm current application requirements directly before relying on assistance.

County Support General Assistance Eligibility varies

Contact Mahaska County Offices, 301 1st Avenue East, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (641) 672-2625 Ask for current general-assistance application and housing-related eligibility.

Bring ID, income information, household details, lease or notice, bills, housing-crisis details, and county residency documentation Ask whether assistance can support rent, deposits, emergency needs, or stabilization planning

Area Oskaloosa / Mahaska County

Warren County General Assistance — Indianola Emergency Support Pathway County general-assistance pathway in Indianola that may help eligible residents with emergency support. Housing-related assistance depends on county rules, documentation, eligibility, and funding availability.

County Support Emergency Assistance Eligibility varies

Contact Warren County General Assistance, 1007 S. Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125 (515) 962-5132 Confirm current application rules before travel.

Bring ID, income information, household details, lease or notice, utility bill, housing-crisis details, and county residency documentation Ask whether assistance can support rent, utilities, emergency stabilization, or a proposed residence

Area Indianola / Warren County

Recovery Housing & Sober Living Homes Recovery housing and sober living may support reentry stabilization in Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Indianola, Creston, Centerville, Chariton, Fairfield, Newton, Pella, and rural Southern Iowa. Each home has its own fees, interviews, drug testing, curfews, visitor rules, medication policies, and transportation expectations.

Recovery Housing House rules vary Officer approval

Checklist Ask for openings, fees, house rules, drug-testing rules, medication policies, visitor rules, curfew, and verification letter availability. Confirm whether residents on probation, parole, work release, or treatment court are accepted.

Bring Recovery plan if applicable Full address, contact person, rules, payment terms, transportation plan, and move-in date

Area Southern Iowa / confirm by home

Private Landlords, Room Rentals, Apartments & Rural Housing Southern Iowa includes small-town landlords, mobile homes, apartments, shared housing, room rentals, extended-stay options, and rural housing. These may be practical when program beds are unavailable, but screening, deposits, transportation, and supervision approval must be checked first.

Independent Housing Rural Access Confirm address rules

Reminder Do not pay deposits or application fees until supervision address rules are clear. Ask for written lease, house rules, landlord contact, and move-in terms.

Prep ID, income proof, references, proposed address, landlord contact, and move-in date Transportation plan for reporting, work, treatment, curfew, and required services

Area Southern Iowa cities and rural counties

Local Housing Authorities & Subsidized Housing Housing authority, voucher, and subsidized-housing pathways may support longer-term stabilization in Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Centerville, Creston, Indianola, Newton, Fairfield, Pella, Knoxville, and rural counties. Waitlists, screening, income rules, and documentation vary by authority and property.

Housing Authority Affordable Housing Waitlists / screening

Access Contact the local housing authority or property manager for the city or county where the person plans to live. Ask whether applications are open before submitting documents or fees.

Ask Application method, waitlist status, criminal-history policy, denial appeal process, required documents, and lease rules Whether an accepted unit can be verified for supervision approval before move-in

Area Southern Iowa local authority areas

Rural County Placement Planning — Southern Iowa Southern Iowa counties may rely on Ottumwa, Indianola, Oskaloosa, Creston, Centerville, Chariton, Fairfield, Newton, or Des Moines-area access points for shelter, housing assistance, recovery housing, and private landlord options. Transportation and reporting feasibility should be checked before selecting a rural address.

Rural Access Transportation Confirm placement

Check Ask whether the provider serves the person’s county before travel. Confirm reporting, treatment, work, transportation, and curfew compatibility before committing.

Prep Proposed address, provider contact, transportation plan, work plan, treatment schedule, and reporting schedule Ask whether out-of-county placement can be approved before paying deposits or fees

Area Southern and rural Iowa counties

🛠️ Confirm First How to Use This Iowa Housing Directory

Call before travel or payment Housing availability, shelter beds, recovery-home openings, referral rules, and program capacity can change quickly. Always call first before traveling, paying application fees, paying deposits, or relying on a location for a move plan.

Call first Availability changes Do not pay early

Step 1 Ask whether the provider is currently accepting applicants, referrals, or walk-ins.

Step 2 Confirm documents, fees, rules, curfew, transportation, and whether supervision status affects eligibility.

Step 3 Request written confirmation if an officer, court, case manager, or program needs verification.

Approval may be required before moving A shelter, landlord, recovery home, or housing program may agree to accept someone, but that does not automatically mean the address is approved for probation, parole, work release, treatment court, or another supervision requirement.

Address planning Supervision-aware Approval may apply

Confirm Ask the supervising officer or approved contact what must be verified before moving.

Prepare Full address, provider or landlord contact, fees, rules, move-in date, transportation plan, and treatment/work schedule.

Avoid Do not move, pay, or sign a lease if approval is required and has not been confirmed.

✅ Directory Updates Add, Correct or Claim a Listing

Help keep Iowa coverage current Providers, shelters, recovery homes, reentry organizations, housing navigators, workforce partners, community agencies, and local stakeholders can submit updates so Iowa housing coverage stays useful and easier to navigate.

Provider updates Coverage growth Machine-readable

Submit Apply / Claim a listing Send a correction

Include Organization name, service type, counties served, intake contact, website, phone, address if public, eligibility, and update notes.

Coverage Statewide Iowa / all regions

Independent directory notice OACRA is an independent private directory and resource platform. This page is for service discovery and general navigation only. It is not legal advice, not government approval, and not a guarantee of housing availability, eligibility, acceptance, or supervision approval.

Independent platform Information only Confirm directly

Use Use this directory to identify potential providers and questions to ask.

Verify Always verify current information directly with the provider, landlord, agency, or supervising authority.

Limit No listing guarantees acceptance, funding, vacancy, or address approval.

Iowa Reentry Housing

Iowa Housing, Shelter & Reentry-Friendly Options

Are you a housing provider in Iowa?

Support Iowa housing coverage

Statewide & System-Level Housing Programs

Central Iowa

Eastern Iowa Corridor

Quad Cities & Southeast Iowa Corridor

Northeast Iowa

Western Iowa

Northwest & North Central Iowa

Southern & Rural Iowa

Iowa Reentry Housing

Iowa Housing, Shelter & Reentry-Friendly Options

Are you a housing provider in Iowa?

Support Iowa housing coverage

Statewide & System-Level Housing Programs

Central Iowa

Eastern Iowa Corridor

Quad Cities & Southeast Iowa Corridor

Northeast Iowa

Western Iowa

Northwest & North Central Iowa

Southern & Rural Iowa

Iowa Treatment Providers