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Single Mom Raising Disabled Teen Girl Des Moines: local programs and next steps

Call 211 first and say you are a single parent in Des Moines caring for a disabled teen.

Free No sign-in Provider verification required enNonprofitUnited Way of Central Iowa 211211 IowaUnited Way of Central Iowa Get Help

Before you apply

BenefitsGPS gives referral suggestions and contact leads. It is not an official eligibility decision, legal advice, medical advice, or a guarantee that a program has funding or openings.

  • Confirm eligibility, service area, documents, hours, waitlists, and current availability.
  • Avoid sharing Social Security numbers, case numbers, medical records, immigration identifiers, or other sensitive identifiers unless you are on a verified provider page.
  • For emergencies, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.

Programs to contact

1

United Way of Central Iowa 211

Nonprofit

24/7 United Way 211 referral for housing, DV shelter, free legal help and mental health for Des Moines families with disabled teens. Call for intake.

Open provider page +1-835-912-7154
2

211 Iowa

Nonprofit

211 Iowa connects you to utility assistance, housing, shelters and counseling across Iowa for families with special-needs youth. Call for intake.

Open provider page +1-866-813-1731
3

United Way of Central Iowa Get Help

Nonprofit

Find local food pantries, childcare aid, Head Start enrollment and free legal help for central Iowa families raising children with disabilities. See hours & ...

Open provider page +1-515-246-6500
4

Central Iowa Center for Independent Living

Nonprofit

Center for Independent Living: benefits enrollment, adaptive equipment referrals and youth independent-living support for teens with disabilities. Apply online.

Open provider page +1-254-535-2419
5

Iowa Community HUB

Nonprofit

Iowa Community HUB: behavioral health navigation and recovery referrals, counseling connections and care coordination in Polk County. Call for intake.

Open provider page +1-515-635-1285
6

Iowa Health and Human Services SNAP

Federal Government Program

Apply for SNAP/EBT benefits, learn WIC and clinic options to stretch your grocery budget for a family with a disabled teen. See eligibility & apply online.

Open provider page +1-877-347-5678
7

Polk County Rental Assistance

Local Government Program

Polk County rental and utility assistance, eviction prevention and housing voucher referrals for Des Moines families; check program hours & eligibility.

Open provider page +1-515-286-3434

Recommended next steps

  • Call 211 first and say you are a single parent in Des Moines caring for a disabled teen.
  • Ask 211 specifically for disability respite care, utility help, food pantries, and rent assistance.
  • Contact CICIL for disability advocacy, independent living supports, benefits help, and referrals.
  • Apply or update SNAP and Medicaid through Iowa HHS if your income or household needs changed.
  • If rent is late or eviction is possible, contact Polk County rental assistance immediately.
  • Use United Way's Get Help page to find disability services, affordable housing, and food resources.
  • Ask EveryStep about care coordination, parenting support, screenings, insurance, and caregiver support groups.
  • If you live in West Des Moines, ask Human Services about food, clothing, rent, utility, and youth recreation help.
  • If housing becomes unsafe or unstable, contact Iowa Homeless Youth Centers for youth and family support options.
  • Keep your teen's disability paperwork, school IEP/504, Medicaid card, income proof, lease, and utility bills ready.

Need categories

•

Information and Referral

  • Community Resources