Application for Financial Assistance

The Salvation Army of Cedar Rapids may be able to help with rent or utility costs for eligible households in Linn County or Anamosa, Iowa.

Before you apply: Please carefully review all requirements. Please submit an application only if you believe you meet the requirements.

Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.

When to Apply

Applications are accepted from the 1st through the 5th of each month. 

Applications are not accepted in December.

What Happens After I Apply?

• Applications are reviewed in the order received until available funds have been allocated.
• If we believe we may be able to assist you, we will call to offer you an appointment. This appointment is your opportunity to provide verification of the information you provided on your application.
• If we are unable to assist, you will receive an email.
• We will contact you by phone or email within 10 business days after you apply.

Rent Assistance

Rent assistance may be available to households that were maintaining their rent on their own before an unexpected, temporary financial emergency made it difficult or impossible to pay. The emergency must have been resolved, and the household must be able to maintain its housing going forward.

Requirements:

• You live in Linn County or Anamosa, Iowa.
• You have not received financial assistance from The Salvation Army in the last 12 months.
• You have a history of maintaining your current housing.
• Your household’s total monthly income is at least two times your monthly rent.
• Your household had an unexpected financial emergency that has ended.
• You can provide documents showing what happened and how much it cost.
• The total amount you owe is no more than two months' rent.

Examples of financial emergencies that may qualify under this program include:

• Emergency repairs on a vehicle needed for work.
• Temporary loss of income due to illness or injury.
• Other unexpected and necessary expenses that caused financial hardship.

Examples of situations that do not qualify under this program:

• Scheduled or voluntary time off work.
• Normal household expenses, such as groceries and utility bills.
• Ongoing situations such as garnishments or medical leave that has not ended.

If we are able to help, the amount of rent assistance is based on the documented cost of the financial emergency, available funding, and other program guidelines.

Utility Assistance

Utility assistance may be available to eligible households.

Requirements:

• You live in Linn County or Anamosa, Iowa.
• You have not received financial assistance from The Salvation Army in the last 12 months.
• Your total unpaid balance is $500 or less.  This is the full amount owed, including any amount deferred by a payment arrangement.
• You currently live at the address for which you are requesting assistance.

A financial emergency is not required for utility assistance. However, households with an unexpected, temporary, and documented financial emergency are given priority when funding is limited.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need help completing the application, please call our office at (319) 364-9131.

Before you apply: Please review all requirements above. Applications that do not meet the program requirements will not be eligible for assistance.

Apply Here

Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance. Assistance depends on meeting program requirements and available funding.