Single Parent Resources in Iowa

Verified resources for custody, child support, housing, financial aid, and emotional support in Iowa — plus national tools every single parent should know.

🏛️ Custody & Legal Help

Iowa-Based Resources

• Iowa Judicial Branch – Family Law – Information on custody, divorce, and visitation.
• Iowa Legal Aid – Child Custody and Visitation – Free legal help and info on family law.
• Custody & Visitation in Iowa – Detailed overview of Iowa custody laws and procedures.

Nationwide Help

• Legal Services Corporation – Free legal aid nationwide.
• WomensLaw.org – Legal info and support for survivors of domestic violence.
• ABA Family Law Section – Professional legal resources and guidance.
• Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) – Federal guidance on support enforcement.
• Safe Horizon – Support for victims of abuse and legal advocacy.
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – Policy, protection, and victim resources.
• LoveisRespect – Support for teens and young parents facing abuse.
• Break the Cycle – Prevention and intervention for domestic abuse.
• RAINN – Help for survivors of sexual abuse.
• Women’s Law Project – Advocacy and legal information for women.
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – Report and find missing children.
• Zero Abuse Project – Child protection advocacy and training.
• National Women’s Law Center – Policy and family advocacy.
• Neighborhood Legal Services – Local-level free legal services network.
• Futures Without Violence – Support for abuse survivors and prevention programs.
• National Child Abuse Hotline – Call or chat for abuse help and resources.

💸 Child Support

Iowa-Based Resources

• Iowa Child Support Services – Apply, manage cases, and estimate child support online.

Nationwide Help

• No national child support resources available at this time.

🏠 Housing & Shelter

Iowa-Based Resources

• Iowa Finance Authority – Statewide housing assistance, rental help, and homelessness prevention.
• Iowa Homeless Shelter Directory – List of shelters and transitional housing programs.

Nationwide Help

• Family Promise – Temporary shelter and support for families in crisis.
• HUD.gov – Federal housing assistance and public housing programs.
• NLIHC – National Low Income Housing Coalition programs and policy updates.
• US HHS Shelter Directory – Nationwide shelter search tool.
• Public Housing (HUD) – Local housing options and how to apply.
• CoAbode – House sharing network for single mothers.
• National Shared Housing Resource Center – Directory of housing share programs by state.
• Project Night Night – Comfort kits for homeless children.
• ERAP – Apply for help with past-due rent and utilities.
• Homeless Prenatal Program – Services for housing-insecure families with children.

🧾 Financial Assistance

Iowa-Based Resources

• Iowa Department of Health and Human Services – Apply for SNAP, FIP (Iowa TANF), Medicaid, and other benefits.
• 211 Iowa – Find local help for food, housing, bills, and more.

Nationwide Help

• Benefits.gov – Federal benefit finder and application help.
• Feeding America – National food bank network and hunger relief.
• SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).
• Medicaid.gov – Federal health coverage information.
• Modest Needs – Short-term emergency financial help.
• SSI – Disability and income-based support.
• TANF – Federal cash assistance program for low-income families.
• EITC – IRS Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility and filing help.
• LIHEAP – Utility assistance for low-income households.
• MyFreeTaxes – File taxes online with free help from United Way.

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support

Iowa-Based Resources

• Iowa Mental Health Crisis Line: Dial 988 – 24/7 mental health and crisis support.
• Your Life Iowa – Free statewide mental health, substance use, and parenting support.
• NAMI Iowa – Education, support groups, and mental health advocacy.

Nationwide Help

• Mental Health America – Find therapy and mental wellness tools.
• National Parent Helpline – 1-855-4A-PARENT for emotional support.
• NAMI – Free education, helpline, and support groups.
• Postpartum Support International – Help for new moms and parents.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 support at 1-800-799-SAFE.
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator – Find mental health and addiction care.
• National Runaway Safeline – Support for youth and parents in crisis.
• NCTSN – Help for children and families exposed to trauma.

You’re Not Alone in Iowa

From legal support to financial aid to emotional survival — this page gives you the resources you need. Bookmark it and share with those who need it.