The Basic Needs Program
The Basic Needs Program uses funds provided by a variety of donors to help Johnson County individuals and families with basic needs such as:
Housing and Utility Assistance
- Eligibility: Must be living in Johnson County, Iowa and have a past-due housing, water, or energy bill. If there is a threat of disconnection or eviction, you must be able to pay all but the last $100 on the bill. You can receive financial assistance for housing and utilities up to two (2) times per year. Once you have received assistance, you must wait sixty (60) days to apply again. Unfortunately, the Basic Needs Program cannot help with phone bills, cable bills, insurance bills, taxes, vehicle repairs, or medical bills.
Other assistance
- Birth Certificates and Identification
- New Employment Work Items
- Clothing & Household Items
- Bus Tickets
- Eye Exam and Glasses Assistance
- Prescription Medication Assistance
- First, apply for the Free Medical Clinic pharmacy program. If the Free Medical Clinic cannot help you, the Basic Needs Program can assist once in a 12-month period with up to $25. Bring a rejection note from the Free Medical Clinic along with your prescription and its cost at your pharmacy to the Food Bank during regular operating hours.
- Temporary Mailing Address
- Box Fans
- Birthday Bags for Children
- Emotional support (via phone, chat, or text at 1-855-325-4296 or IowaCrisisChat.org)
*Quantities are limited, and individuals can call (319) 351-0128 weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for more information to sign-up
For more information, please visit The Basic Needs Program website.
"Being Not-Rich @ Uiowa" Guide
Another source for community information is the "Being Not-Rich @ Uiowa" Google document created by the University of Iowa Student Government
Iowa Utilities Board - Emergency Order
Low income home energy assistance program extension: individuals may become eligible for the suspension on utility terminations before the deadline of May 31.
Map of Resources in Iowa City and Surrounding Areas
This Google Map provides key locations of food, health, housing and general care resources for the University of Iowa community.
Food Housing General Health & Wellness Funding & Finance Additional Help
Iowa Consumer Protections
This Google Document provides updates to Iowa Consumer Protection Laws.
211
211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, and more. It’s a one-stop source of information. You can explore their website for specific resources or speak/text with a staff member (https://www.211iowa.org/contact-us/).
Additional Help Housing Child Care Mental Health Funding & Finance Food Electricity Employment & Career Opportunities
We'd like your help! If you'd like to contribute information to this website or have any additional feedback, you can share it with us by clicking the link below or by emailing us at: dos-assistance@uiowa.edu.
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