Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

January 22, 2021

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.

Family Development and Self-Sufficiency Program (FaDSS)

The Iowa Department of Human Rights' Division of Community Action Agencies works to reduce poverty by addressing issues facing low-income families and bringing resources to the community level. We link state and federal programs with Community Action Agencies and other community based organizations across the state to serve elderly, disabled, and low-income Iowans. One of the programs that the Division administers is the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) program. The FaDSS program was created in 1988 by the Iowa legislature to assist Family Investment Program (FIP) families with significant or multiple barriers to reach self-sufficiency. FaDSS provides services that empower and nurture families toward stability and economic self-sufficiency. The foundation of FaDSS is regular home visits with families using a strength-based approach. For more information on the program and eligibility, please visit https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/fadss/about-fadss.

Iowa Talent Bank

Thanks to Iowa Business Record for highlighting Iowa's gender balance law and the Iowa Talent Bank. Click here for the article. Housed at the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Iowa Talent Bank's goal is to increase inclusion and representation of all Iowans serving on boards and commissions. If you are interested in making a difference in your community and state, consider serving on a board or commission. Visit https://talentbank.iowa.gov for opportunities, including mentorship.

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1B

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released an update on Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which will begins February 1, 2021. Due to limited supply, IDPH has implemented a tiered prioritization of eligible groups. Note that persons 65 years old and over will be eligible to receive the vaccine during any tier. Additional populations vulnerable to high risk of exposure or severity of illness will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as indicated in the tiers below. .

You may contact your healthcare provider, pharmacy, and county health department for locations of where to get a vaccine. Additionally, the vaccine finder website will be updated in the upcoming weeks as providers share where you may get the vaccine.

For more information and updates, visit the Iowa Department of Public Health's website and social media pages.

CDC Eviction Moratorium Extended to March 31, 2021

In a media statement, the CDC will extend its eviction moratorium until March 31, 2021.

The moratorium protects renters who meet certain requirements and who sign a declaration form and give it to the landlord.

If you are unable to pay your rent, here are some resources on rental assistance, housing, and other help.

Iowa legal Aid-Eviction Information/Rights
Resident Declaration Form - Other Languages
Eviction Moratorium Information in 18 Asian Languages
COVID-19 Legal Advice Hotline 1-800-332-0419
HHS/CDC Frequently Asked Questions
Houseiowa.org - database of housing resources
211iowa.org or call 2-1-1 for resources

Free Tax Help

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify, including low-moderate income households, and individuals with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English language skills. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community centers, libraries, schools. Due to COVID-19, a number of sites may be closed.

To locate the VITA or TCE site nearest to you, use the locator tool, or call these numbers: