Skip to main content
Front Door
Iowa

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Iowa and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Iowa

Iowa programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Iowa Finance Authority

    Rental Assistance Programs

    IFA programs help eligible renters access housing assistance.

    Agency page

  • Iowa Finance Authority

    Homelessness Assistance

    IFA funds programs that connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing services.

    Agency page

  • Iowa Finance Authority

    Housing Finance Programs

    IFA offers programs that help eligible residents finance home purchases and housing.

    Agency page

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

    Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    LIHEAP helps eligible households pay part of their home heating costs.

    Ways to apply:OnlineIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-972-2017

  • Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization provides home improvements that can lower energy use and improve heating and cooling.

    Ways to apply:OnlineIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 800-972-2017

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in Iowa

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

Talk to a person