Action Realty, Inc. has rental units available throughout Fort Dodge including 1, 2 and 3+ bedroom apartments, townhomes and houses. Action Realty, Inc. accepts HUD vouchers on qualified units. Project-based Section 8 assistance is also available at Westridge Townhomes.

The American Red Cross provides services to active duty military members and veterans and people displaced from their home due to a disaster. Training in CPR, First Aid, Swimming Lessons, Lifeguard Training and other safety courses is available.

Beacon of Hope is a Christ-centered homeless shelter for men. Beacon of Hope provides housing, food and clothing for homeless men.

Offers safety, support, and hope to adult and child victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, violent crimes, and loved ones of homicide victims.

The Fort Dodge Housing Agency is dedicated to providing and ensuring quality affordable housing by being an innovative leader in setting housing standards. We are committed to establishing creative partnerships and sound economic practices to benefit the entire community. Low-income rental assistance program, Section 8, HUD housing. We provide basic needs such as homeless shelter, housing, assistance in paying for private housing, and rental/utility deposit assistance. We also have a self-sufficiency program that supports individuals in becoming employed/educated and connects them to area/community resources. This helps clients in getting the help they need and ultimately using less public assistance in the end.

The Fort Dodge Human Rights Commission is a neutral fact-finding agency whose mission is to secure for all individuals within the City of Fort Dodge freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age or mental or physical disability in connection with employment, public accommodations, housing, and credit.

Gateway to Discovery is a nonprofit organization that has established a two-year residential faith-based recovery program to support women in their rise from the depths of chemical addiction, homelessness and related struggles. It offers a long-term sanctuary as a haven from the social, psychological and economic factors that drive women to desperate means for survival--along with an array of support services and educational opportunities, at no cost to them. They learn social and other life skills crucial to maintaining sobriety and becoming independent contributing members of society. It is based on the simple premise that "Love Changes Lives.

The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program may provide eligible renters with help with rent and utility bills.

This program is managed by the Iowa Finance Authority.

Eligible Households

Renter households with incomes of no more than 80% of Area Median Income.

One or more individuals in the household have qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak.

The household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice.

Lotus is a homeless shelter for women and children covering Webster, Hamilton, Wright, Humboldt, Pocahontas, and Calhoun counties. Within our program we offer several services to the participants to help them reestablish within their community.

Northridge Apartments offers quality apartment living for persons age 55 and older who meet income guidelines. Amenities include appliances, laundry rooms on each floor and phone entry system. Northridge Apartments is a Low Income Housing Tax Credit property and is managed by the Fort Dodge Housing Agency.

The SALT Center = Shining A Light Together!
We are a Warming & Cooling Center for people in need.

Days Open: Mon-Sat
Hours: 1p-4p

As one of 18 Community Action Agencies in Iowa, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. (UDMO) works in conjunction with general relief offices to provide emergency assistance programs and services to low income residents in need.

Income-based housing for seniors 62+ and disabled adults. Project-based Section 8 assistance/HUD eligible. Studio and one and two bedroom apartments are available. All utilities are included in the rent and pets under 30 lbs. are permitted. Amenities include computer center, exercise room, laundry facilities, party room and media room. Non-smoking building.

Westridge Townhomes is a 125-unit complex offering both full market units and project-based Section 8 assistance to households that qualify. Westridge Townhomes is professionally managed by Action Realty, Inc.

Youth Shelter Care of North Central Iowa, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation that provides emergency and temporary shelter care to children ages 0-18 and Child Welfare Alternative Services. YSC provides Crisis Stabilization Residential Services to youth. The CSRS Program provides short-term interventions and support for families and youth who are experiencing urgent mental health, behavioral health, substance use, or medication management crisis. YSC also provides mental health therapy to individuals and families, in-home Behavioral Health Intervention Services, and Children’s Mental Health In-Home Therapy Services to the youth and families and also facilitates a local chapter of Achieving Maximum Potential (AMP).

The YWCA Center for Life Empowerment operates a residential treatment facility for women with alcohol and substance abuse issues and also offers a homeless shelter and transitional housing services for women and children. Clients may have their children with them in the facility. Support services are also provided for those living in the facility, including parenting programs for young mothers and children’s programs. Intensive outpatient and extended outpatient substance abuse programs for women and men are also offered.