Frequently Asked Questions

The first step is to contact other agencies for assistance. Pottawattamie County General Assistance is to be the agency of last resort. Agencies to contact include: 

• Interfaith | (712) 322-0531
• Salvation Army | (712) 328-2088
• Family Service Homeless Link | (712) 309-0016

If you are over the age of 60, you can also contact (712) 328-2540. If you are under the age of 25, you can contact Project Everlast at (402) 384-4670. If you are a veteran, you can contact the Veterans Service Office at (712) 328-5797. 

If these agencies are not able to assist, then you can call (712) 328-5867 and then your eligibility will be reviewed. If it is determined that you may qualify for approval, then an appointment will be scheduled. You may also complete the General Assistance Prescreen form, and you will be contacted upon receipt. 

• Current month's rent
• Utilities
• Medications
• Burial expenses

See application process for additional information on the eligibility process.

No. Agencies recommended to contact for this type of assistance include Interfaith Response at (712) 322-0531 and Family Service Homeless Link at (712) 309-0016. 

No. It is recommended to contact Family Housing Advisory Services at (402) 934-6745, Iowa Legal Aid at 1-800-432-9229, or Iowa Mortgage Health at 1-877-622-4866 or visit their website. 

No. Each county in Iowa has a General Assistance office, and it would be necessary to contact the county in which you reside. In addition, General Assistance does not provide help with moving to Pottawattamie County, i.e. no deposit nor first month's rental assistance. 

No. This annual program for heat assistance is provided through West Central Development. You can call them at (711) 322-2621. 

No. It is recommended to contact Family Service Homeless Link at (712) 309-0016 or (531) 200-3500. You can also make contact with a worker at the New Visions Homeless Shelter and be entered into Coordinated Entry System through the Metro Area Continuum of Care for Homeless (MACCH) for potential assistance.