Where to get free stuff in Polk County IA
It is possible to get free personal or household stuff in the Des Moines IA area, no matter your income. Whether it is food or clothes, or seasonal help such as Christmas gifts or school supplies, there are charities, churches and just local programs offered. Find information below, with the links to phone numbers based on need, of where to get free items in the city of Des Moines and Polk County. Some of the programs are income-based; others are available to anyone in the area. In addition to say a charity or churches provide free food, clothes, etc. there are also apps and online sites in Polk County that anyone can use to get help. Also note some programs that give out free stuff are seasonal (such as free school supply giveaways or Christmas toys) and others are year round. Regardless find the programs in the area below.
Programs and places in Des Moines and Polk County that give out free items
The County of Polk, Iowa Legal Aid (dial ((515) 243-2151) provides free legal advice to qualified low income Iowa families. Attorneys and volunteer lawyers help the low-income and elderly in Polk County too of course. The goal of the legal aid service is to ensure equal access to an attorney for anyone. They offer Civil Legal Assistance, including support for domestic issues, divorce, eviction and landlord issues. One of the services they offer for free is to help stop evictions or a foreclosure. The address is 666 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309. Learn more on Iowa foreclosure prevention programs , including mediation. Places for free clothes, furniture, appliances and school supplies help the working poor. Low-income families will get the stuff they need for a home or everyday wear, such as clothing, a bed to sleep in, couches, and supplies for work. Or get backpacks for students in Polk County, gift cards and other stuff. Find free school supplies, clothes and furniture in Polk County . Thanksgiving and Christmas programs are seasonal, yet free. Seniors, children, and the homebound in the area are the main beneficiaries. They can receive free meals, Christmas toys, turkey dinners, or gifts around the holiday seasons, and many Polk County agencies provide this support. More on free Christmas and holiday help in Polk County . The are a number of other food banks in the region . Thousands of residents turn to them on a monthly basis for groceries and more. Several have soup kitchens with hot meals, including summer snacks for students or free holiday food boxes or meals (easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas). Many of the non-profits even offer referrals. More on free food pantries Polk County . Social media sites can help people find places (companies, individuals, etc.) that are passing out free stuff. Many of the options are very local in nature, such as Craigslist. Furniture, appliances and so much more can be passed out to anyone in Polk County IA no matter their income, with details here https://desmoines.craigslist.org/search/zip . Another option is Freecycle . This is a nationwide service, with links to Polk County, that give out free items to anyone in need. The app is free to use and learn more on how to use Freecycle .
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART
) can provide free rides to a shelter or cooling center (among other places). The location is 620 Cherry St, Des Moines, IA 50309. A major focus is on the vulnerable - seniors, the homeless and disabled. Call (515) 283-8100 There are several free healthcare programs, including clinics and other services in the county. They help the poor, immigrants, seniors, and very low income. Some take private insurance and others take Medicaid. Adults and children can get free care too. Click here for additional free health clinics and dental centers in Polk County Iowa .