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1. Can you help me find an apartment?

Our office does not assist with locating housing, but our staff will refer individuals to:

• Rental agencies
• Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority (CIRHA), for subsidized housing
• Newspapers
• Yellow Pages
• http://www.iowahousingsearch.org
• www.apartmentfinder.com/iowa/ames-apartments
• www.rentames.com
• www.apartments.com
• 
  

2. Can you assist with gasoline or bus tickets?

Gasoline or bus ticket assistance is only available for transient individuals who are leaving the state of Iowa.

3. Do you pay deposits?

No, this office does not assist with any type of deposit. Referrals are made to other local agencies for deposit assistance.

4. How can I get rent or utility help?

Centralized Intake:   Story County General Assistance in conjunction with Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance and The Salvation Army is providing a Centralized Intake process for rent and utility assistance for Story County Residents.  Applications for rent and utility assistance can be made at Story County General Assistance, one  application, one location for assistance from multiple agencies.  Service Coordination is also available to assist interested applicants in connecting to other resources, services, and supports.

Please contact our office at (515)-663-2930 to schedule an appointment. 

5. Do you assist with grocery vouchers?

Individuals requesting grocery vouchers are referred to local food pantries and the Department of Human Services to apply for food assistance. Community Services may assist on a case-by-case basis when all other resources are exhausted.

6. How do I get help to receive and/or pay for mental health and disability services (including intellectual/developmental disabilities and brain injuries)?

Contact CICS (Central Iowa Community Services) by calling 515-663-2928. 

You can also find more information at the following website:

CICS Mental Health & Disability Services

7. How do I get a Case Manager?

Story County no longer operates a Case Management program as of July 1, 2016. If you are interested in Case Management services, please contact a Service Coordinator in our office to assist you with referrals to access this service.