Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

October 16, 2020

We are here to help.

The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) brings strength to Iowa's rich heritage. Our three divisions - Community Action Agencies, Community Advocacy and Services, and Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning - work to reduce cultural, social, and economic barriers to opportunities for Iowans to succeed.

Are You Voter Ready?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

Iowans who have completed their felony sentences and have had their rights restored by the Governor, including by Executive Order, may be eligible to vote.The Iowa Secretary of State has created a website, https://restoreyourvote.iowa.gov, that includes an FAQ, resources, and a video on the voting process.

Additional information about early voting, voting and homelessness, voting and domestic violence, voting with a disability, voting as college students, and voting for Iowa military and overseas voters is available on the the Iowa Secretary of State's website.

IRS Extends Economic Impact Payment Registration Deadline to November 21 for Non-filers

The IRS has extended the deadline from October 15 to November 21 for non-filers applying for federal stimulus payment. The deadline applies to those who don't typically file a tax return and haven't registered and received an Economic Impact Payment. They are urged to register as quickly as possible using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here tool on IRS.gov, which will not be available after November 21.

The Non-Filers tool is secure. It is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles who could not be claimed as a dependent by someone else. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.

Utility Assistance Programs

There are two state-administered programs available to assist Iowans with utilities.

1) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, and type of housing. View eligibility guidelines.

The program began accepting applications October 1, 2020, for households that have a member who is at least 60 years of age, or disabled, or where disconnection is imminent. All others may apply November 1, 2020 - April 30, 2021. Customers who qualify for LIHEAP are protected from having their natural gas and electric utilities disconnected from November 1 to April 1.

Applications are taken at your local community action agency. Anyone facing disconnection at any time should contact their local community action agency for assistance.

To find your local agency, you may call 2-1-1-, visit https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply, or contact the Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) at (515) 242-5655 or 1-800-351-4659. LIHEAP information is available in multiple languages on the DHR's website.

2) Residential Utility Disruption Program

The COVID-19 Residential Utility Disruption Program will provide eligible households with up to $2,000 towards electric, natural gas and water bills if they are at risk of disconnection due to an inability to pay due to a COVID-19 related loss of income. The last day to apply is November 20. For details, visit iowahousingrecovery.com.

Refugee Summit

State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council Members Announced

The Iowa Department of Human Rights is proud to announce the members of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) for the 2020-2021 term. These young leaders will use their skills and perspectives to lift up youth voice, to advocate for youth issues in Iowa, and to improve their communities through volunteerism.

The 2020-2021 SIYAC members and their home communities are:

Name Year City

Achinteya Jayaram 1st Bettendorf

Alex Drahos 2nd Cedar Rapids

Ava Moorlach 1st Indianola

Blythe Kelly 2nd Urbandale

Isabel Hanson* 3rd Norwalk

James Piazza 1st West Des Moines

Kameron Jones 1st Ottumwa

Kanyon Huntington 1st Afton

Kendall Jones 1st Ottumwa

Klaertje Hesselink 1st Cedar Falls

Koro Castillo 1st Cedar Falls

Kunal Chugh* 3rd Asbury

Lily Glenn 2nd Ottumwa

Lulu Roarick 1st Iowa City

Paras Bassuk 1st Iowa City

Sam Wilson 2nd Carlisle

Soomin Koh 1st Iowa City

Stacia Drey 2nd Marion

Tyler Loudon 2nd Creston

Vidya Iyer 2nd West Des Moines

Will Keck** (Chair) 4th Waukee

*Isabel Hanson and Kunal Chugh are serving their 1st year of their 2nd terms (3rd year overall in the council).

**Will Keck is serving his 2nd year of his 2nd term (4th year overall in the council).

Additional information about SIYAC and its members can be found on the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ website at https://humanrights.iowa.gov/cas/siyac.

Safer Halloween

This year, traditional trick or treating and other Halloween activities can pose risks for spreading COVID-19. The CDC offers guidance on how to have a safe Halloween such as avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters, wearing a cloth mask that is not part of the costume, washing hands, and other ideas to lower the risks.