The North Iowa Community Action Outreach Program provides information and referral services and access to emergency financial assistance for shelter and utilities. The United Way of North Central Iowa allocates funding for Emergency Shelter Assistance, Utility Deposits, GED, and Educational Scholarships. A variety of other applications can be completed at the Outreach Centers depending on the availability of funds.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance provides financial assistance with winter heating costs by paying a portion of the primary heating bill and may also assist by paying for emergency furnace repairs or furnace replacement in life-threatening situations for eligible households.

Emergency Financial Assistance may be available to eligible households to assist with emergency rent, mortgage payments or utility bills as well as with security deposits.  Repayment may be required.

The NICAO Family Resource Center also provides FREE Tax Preparation Services!  A partnership between NICAO and the North Iowa Tax Coalition exists to provide free income tax services to income eligible--low to moderate income households in February and March. These services will take place at the Family Resource Center at 1190 Briarstone Drive, Mason City. Beginning in 2012, there will also be locations in Franklin, Winnebago and Kossuth counties.  For more information on this service please call 641-423-7766 or click on the link.  FREE Tax Preparation Services

County Outreach Specialists
Please click on the link above for Outreach Office locations. Office days and hours vary for each location so please call ahead.