Homelessness Prevention
One check can be the difference between a home and the street. And sometimes, just one act of financial kindness can prevent the loss of housing and continual financial strain. Since the mid-1970s, CROSS Outreach has worked to close the gap for families on the brink. We provide immediate financial assistance for rent, mortgages, utilities, and laundry vouchers to prevent homelessness with compassion.
By addressing financial crises early, we provide a safe alternative to the shelter system. By resolving a crisis today, we hope that a temporary setback doesn’t become a lifelong struggle.
The best way to end homelessness is to prevent it. CROSS provides critical assistance to families facing housing instability, offering a quick path to stability so they can stay safely in their homes and avoid the trauma of a crisis.
CROSS currently receives 400-500 requests for assistance each month. At this time, we can assist roughly 30 households per month, with a goal of increasing that number to 90.
Those who are applying for assistance will be asked to email crossoutreachhelp@gmail.com with the following information:
Assistance:
All actionable requests must be received via email ONLY on the 3rd Monday of the month from 8 AM – 8 PM. (See dates below).
Of the total requests received during this designated twelve-hour intake window, roughly 30 per month will be selected at random to receive assistance. Please note that submitting multiple requests WILL NOT increase the likelihood of receiving assistance.
All requests must include:
1) Head of Household name and current phone number in the subject line
2) Head of Household Photo ID
3) Names & dates of birth for all household members.
4) If the request is for utility assistance, a copy of the most recent bill
2026 INTAKE DATES
*FROM 8 AM – 8 PM* THIRD MONDAY OF EACH MONTH:
4/20/26, 5/18/26, 6/15/26, 7/20/26, 8/17/26, 9/21/26, 10/19/26, 11/16/26, 12/21/26
*As a small nonprofit that operates entirely on donations, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we process requests. CROSS Outreach seeks to help as many households as we can, as best we can.
Eviction Prevention Information for Polk County:
https://www.homewardiowa.org/_files/ugd/253e08_bb2c36995a35403fb7d8e1f18d896cc8.pdf
