Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

iowa department of human rights

June 11, 2021


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.


Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program

The CDC eviction moratorium is set to expire on June 30, 2021.  

The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program is available to assist eligible households.  For details and eligibility, visit https://www.iowafinance.com/iowa-rent-and-utility-assistance-program/ or call the Housing Recovery Help Line 855-300-5885 or 515-348-8813.  There is information for tenants and landlords. 

Note: Polk County and the City of Des Moines will be administering the program locally. Therefore, Iowans residing in either Polk County or the City of Des Moines will be ineligible to apply for the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program. More information on the program that may assist Polk County and City of Des Moines residents is available at IMPACT Community Action Partnership or call 515-518-4770. rental assistance, housing, and other help. 

Another resource is the Iowa Emergency Solutions Grant program that helps to prevent households from becoming homeless due to eviction, and assists Iowans experiencing homelessness to quickly regain rental housing.  For more information, call the Housing Recovery Help Line 855-300-5885 or 515-348-8813. 

Additional resources:


Juneteenth

According to the Iowa Department of Human Rights, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, with news that slaves were free and the war had ended.  

Did you know that Iowa is the seventh state to officially recognize Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth National Freedom Day, thanks to the Department of Human Rights' Office on the Status of African Americans.

Here are some activities/events to observe Juneteenth:


Iowa Spanish Helpline Receives Award

Congratulations to the Iowa Spanish Helpline (Linea de Ayuda) for receiving The Iowa Disaster Human Resource Council - Don Hampton Conference's GROUP VOLUNTEER AWARD!

The Spanish Helpline is an initiative to help the Spanish-speaking community in the state of Iowa by providing information, resources, and support. The line is answered by professionals from the Latino community. Thank you to EMBARC, volunteers, and partners for your time and service to Iowans.  For more information about the Iowa Spanish Helpline, visit the website of the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Office of Latino Affairs


Construction Camp for Girls

Camp Flyer

Overview of Tax Provisions in American Rescue Plan

The IRS offers an overview of tax provisions in the American Rescue Plan.  There are some retroactive changes for 2020, as well as information for the 2021 tax season.  Learn more at irs.gov.  


COVID-19Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for Uninsured

Click here for more flyers in additional languages.

English poster

Spanish poster


COVID-19 Language Resources

American Sign Language Videos-CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Resources for Limited English Proficient Populations

Congolese Health Partnership Videos

Coronavirus, State Website

Crescent Community Health Center-Marshallese Language

EMBARC Ethnic Minorities of Burma and Advocacy and Resource Center

Hawaii Office of Language Access-Youtube

Iowa Department of Human Rights-Language Access

Iowa Department of Public Health

Iowa Spanish Helpline 515-344-3936 

Multi-Lingual Hotline  1-877-558-2609

Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa  

Test Iowa-Free COVID-19 Testing (Spanish available)


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Iowa Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-242-5640 or 1-800-351-4659
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