Community Housing Resources
Know where to go for help with common housing situations in Greater Des Moines.
Start here for common housing situations
Here are some common housing situations in the community with information about who to contact:
Looking for an affordable rental home or having trouble affording rent
Many income-restricted properties in our community maintain rental listings on Iowa Housing Search, a resource maintained by the Iowa Finance Authority.
The public housing authority serving Polk County is the Des Moines Municipal Housing Authority. The Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA) serves many surrounding counties.
Experiencing homelessness
Help is available to access services and shelter. For support, visit Centralized Intake at Primary Health Care, 1200 University Avenue, Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For assistance after hours dial 2-1-1.
Need help repairing an owner-occupied home
We maintain a directory of assistance programs for homeowners that you can download here.
Want to purchase an affordable home or having trouble affording a mortgage
PCHTF helps fund these organizations focused on providing affordable homeownership opportunities.
You may also wish to contact the Iowa Mortgage Help Line.
Addressing tenant-landlord concerns
We recommend contacting HOME, Inc. for assitance with common tenant landlord concerns. If you are facing eviction, you may also contact Iowa Legal Aid for assistance.
Protecting civil rights
Contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for assistance. In the City of Des Moines, you may also contact the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Department.
In need of translation assistance
The Iowa International Center provides a housing translation service.
General Resource Directory
Organizations that plan with us to meet Polk County's affordable housing needs
Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency
Greater Des Moines Partnership/Capital Crossroads
Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization/The Tomorrow Plan
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines
Polk County Health Department/Healthy Polk 2020
Homeward Iowa (Previously Polk County Continuum of Care)
Local Housing Providers
Central Iowa Shelter & Service s
Christ The King Senior Housing
City of West Des Moines – TA
Fort Des Moines Senior Housing
Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
Metro Home Improvement Program
Neighborhood Finance Corporation