Short-term financial help is available to county residents who are unable to access assistance through other sources. Services include rental assistance, utility assistance (a disconnect notice and documentation of prior payments are required), and medical, dental, and prescription assistance. Burial and cremation funding is also available. Appointments are recommended; call ahead to schedule.

A range of programs help reduce the financial barriers facing low-income families in Warren County. Services available locally include utility and rent assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), weatherization assistance, homelessness prevention support, personal hygiene supplies, and food assistance cards.

WeLIFT offers resources, connection, skill building, financial literacy, employment support, and more. Staff provide personalized help with resume writing, online job applications, job readiness skills, mentoring, community outreach programs, and access to a public computer lab. Walk-ins are welcome during open hours.

Low-barrier, no-cost emergency shelter, meals, and case management support are provided to adults experiencing homelessness in the Des Moines area. The shelter operates year-round, 24 hours a day. Case managers and housing staff work directly with guests to connect them with services and help them move toward stable, permanent housing.

Eligible low-income individuals and families can rent quality private housing in Warren County through the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, which is administered here. Demand exceeds available funding, so a waiting list is in use. The office is open by appointment; call to learn about current eligibility requirements and waitlist status.

The Short Years Diaper Bank (SYDB) provides supplemental diapers to  qualifying families in our Parents as Teachers program across all our  service counties (Dallas, Madison, Warren, Marion, & Jasper), as  well as to the qualifying public in Warren, Madison, and Marion county. ​