Ames

Local offices in Ames

We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.

• Local office · Regional office

  211 Iowa

  Help here

  • Community resource referralsCall or search online to find local help with food, housing, utilities, health care, and other needs.
  Call 866-813-1731Website

  Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211iowa.org

• Housing help · City office

  Housing Division

  515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Housing and community development programsGet information about Ames housing programs and community development grants.
  Call 515-239-5400DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org

• Utilities · City office

  Utility Customer Services

  515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Utility bills and serviceGet help paying a city utility bill, starting or stopping service, or setting up a payment plan.Apply online
  • Project ShareEligible low-income customers may receive help with winter electric bills through Project Share.Read more
  Call 515-239-5120DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org

• Older adults · City office

  Sixty Forward Center

  205 S Walnut Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Older adult programsOlder adults can join fitness and other programs at the Sixty Forward Center.Apply online
  Call 515-233-2906DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org

• State office

  Ames Driver License Service Center

  203 S Grand Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Driver licenses and ID cardsApply for or renew an Iowa driver license or state ID at the Ames service center.Apply online
  Call 515-244-8725DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on iowadot.gov

• Library · City office

  Ames Public Library

  515 Douglas Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Library services and programsGet a library card, borrow materials, use public resources, and find library programs.Apply onlineRead more
  Call 515-239-5646DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on amespubliclibrary.org

• Local office · City office

  City of Ames Administration

  515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • City information and helpCall the city with questions about local services or to find the right city department.
  Call 515-239-5101DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org

• Parks and recreation · City office

  Parks and Recreation

  515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Recreation programsRegister for city fitness classes, youth activities, swim programs, and other recreation programs.Apply online
  Call 515-239-5350DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityofames.org

City of Ames, Iowa website

Checked on October 8, 2026

Nonprofits that serve Ames

Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.

Offices for all of Story County

Ames is in Story County. These county and state offices serve people there too.

• State office

  Story County DHS

  126 S Kellogg Ave, Suite 101, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • State benefits and human servicesVisit the Iowa HHS office serving Story County for help with state benefit programs.
  Call 515-292-2035DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on hhs.iowa.gov

• Human services · County office

  Story County General Assistance

  126 S. Kellogg Avenue, Suite 001, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Emergency rent and utility assistanceApply for emergency help with rent or utility bills and get connected to other local resources.Apply online
  Call 515-663-2930DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov

• Public health · County office

  Story County Public Health

  Help here

  • Public health and immunization servicesGet information about immunizations, disease prevention, senior health, and other public health services.
  Call 515-239-6730Website

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov

• Older adults · Regional office

  Aging Resources of Central Iowa

  5838 Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines, IA 50312

  Help here

  • Aging and disability supportContact the agency for local support and services for older adults and people with disabilities.
  Call 515-255-1310DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on agingresources.com

• Veterans · County office

  Story County Veterans Affairs

  126 S. Kellogg Avenue, Suite 001, Ames, IA 50010

  Help here

  • Veterans benefits assistanceGet help learning about and applying for veterans benefits and services.Apply online
  Call 515-956-2626DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov

• Emergency help · County office

  Story County Emergency Management Agency

  900 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201

  Help here

  • Emergency preparedness and recoveryFind preparedness information and report storm damage to help the county coordinate disaster response and recovery.
  Call 515-382-7315DirectionsWebsite

  Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on storycountyiowa.gov

Everything in Story County

Iowa programs by kind of help

These are run by Iowa and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.

• FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
• HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
• HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
• MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
• CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
• EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
• WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
• Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
• SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help anyone can use

These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security retirement benefits

  Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• Medicare

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.

  Call 1-800-633-4227
• Extra Help with Medicare drug costs

  Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• VA health care

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.

  Call 1-877-222-8387
• VA disability compensation and benefits

  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.

  Call 1-800-827-1000
• FAFSA, the federal student aid form

  U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• Federal Pell Grant

  U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.

  Call 1-800-433-3243
• HealthCare.gov

  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

  Call 1-800-318-2596
• Lifeline phone and internet discount

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

  Call 1-800-234-9473
• Head Start and Early Head Start

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

  Call 1-866-763-6481
• IRS Free File

  Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.

• VITA and TCE free tax help

  Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.

  Call 1-800-906-9887
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.

  Call 1-800-829-1040
• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 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.

• Replace a Social Security card

  Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.

  Call 1-800-772-1213
• FEMA disaster assistance

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

  Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026