Homelessness Prevention

Hardworking people can experience financial hardships. CROSS Outreach helps families “stay housed” by assisting with rent, security deposits, water and electric bills.

In 2022, CROSS distributed more than $141,000 to property owners and utility companies on behalf of struggling people.

Individuals seeking financial help toward the payment of rent, security deposits, electric or water bills should call (515) 279-9998, to hear the most current information on seeking assistance.

Those who are applying for assistance will be asked to email crossoutreachhelp@gmail.com with the following information:

Rent or Security Deposit Assistance:

(Limited to once in a 12-month period)

• Photo ID for head of household and social security card for each member of household.
• Your first and last name and phone number must be in the subject line of the email.
• In the message please state what bill you are trying to pay.

Electric or Water Assistance:

(Limited to once in a 12-month period)

• Photo ID for head of household and social security card for each member of household.
• Utility Bill. (Utility must be in the name of a resident of the household.)
• Your first and last name and phone number must be in the subject line of the email.

We will respond to emails in the order they arrive and as time and funding permits.

All applicants will have a phone interview as a part of the application process.

Please note that our assistance is restricted to individuals living in Polk County who have not received financial assistance from CROSS within the past 12 months.

CROSS Outreach is a small non-profit organization that operates on donations. We are limited in the assistance that we can provide; therefore, assistance is not guaranteed.

All requests will be determined on an individual basis, processed in the order they arrive, and subject to the availability of funds.