Embrace Iowa: emergency help for essential needs
- program that relies on donations from the community in providing relief to struggling families, as well as low to moderate income people is Embrace Iowa. It is a statewide, donor-supported program that provides small dollar grants to households facing emergency needs like a car repair to keep a job, a new bed so a child can sleep, or help with medicine, rent, or utilities. Applications are taken through local Community Action Agencies across the state.
Learn more on how to get help from Embrace Iowa. The program is a joint effort of the Iowa Community Action Association (ICAA) and the Des Moines Register, which highlights the real stories of struggling Iowans and helps bring in donors to meet those basic needs. Because Embrace Iowa funds are administered by each local Community Action Agency, the application process and timing can vary by region. Some local community action agencies open their application window in winter and keep it open into early spring while funds last. For example, MATURA Action Corporation accepted applications through the winter in the past. Others may temporarily focus paying out money from Embrace Iowa on a single urgent need, such as to help a family pay their rent.
Types of bills that may be paid by Embrace Iowa
- wide variety of emergency bills can be paid, with community action making a determination. Typical financial assistance is for utilities or rent, furniture including beds, appliances and even mortgage payments. In general at most $750 is paid out. However the amount paid out to each qualified applicant can change every year. Some other examples of non-routine emergency expenses that are being requested include:
Medical bills, dental expenses, and other health care costs. Prescription medications, in particular to people facing a life threatening condition Automobile repairs if you need the car for a job or medical appointment. Home repairs Energy saving home improvements Funds for helping to pay Child Care for those families that are not currently covered under the Iowa Crisis Child Care Program Money to pay for heating emergencies and prevent a disconnection during the cold Iowa winter, or try other utility company assistance programs in Iowa . Any payments made will be issued directly to the vendor or company you owe money too. The clients who applies is not given cash aid themselves. Only one application can be completed per household and for those who qualify a maximum amount of cash assistance will be issued.
Applications for financial help
If you are interested in applying for Embrace Iowa, or learning more, please contact your local community action agency. Eligibility is simple the same across the state. Applicants must live in Iowa and have household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level based on family size of course. Funding is limited and awarded while dollars last, so applying promptly through your local Community Action Agency is important. Embrace Iowa relies heavily on donations from the community. If you can contribute then please do so. The money you donate will go directly to helping the needy, many of whom are children or seniors, and not program administrative costs. Funds are always needed by the Embrace Iowa program and the money is used effectively. If you’re a potential donor or need statewide contact information, the
Iowa Community Action Association lists Embrace Iowa
details and accepts contributions year-round. The main number is 515-244-0307. Or if you benefit from the program the newspaper and community encourage people to write a note of thanks. Households should still apply locally, but ICAA can point you in the right direction if you’re unsure which agency serves your area. For more information on donating or applying to Embrace Iowa , contact a community action agency in Iowa .