Community Support & Recovery


The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the Dubuque community in a variety of ways and creating hardships for many. Below is a list of resources for businesses, individuals, and families.

Resources for Individuals & Families

Iowa Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Program
This program provides eligible COVID-19 impacted homeowners at imminent risk of foreclosure with mortgage assistance for up to four months, with a maximum assistance per household of $3,600. The short-term program will be available until funds are exhausted or a new federal program is launched. Program funding is provided through federal CARES Act funds. Program eligibility details are available at iowahousingrecovery.com.

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Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Forbearance 
If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment on your FHA-insured mortgage because of COVID-19, help is available. View your options at www.hud.gov/coronavirus/homeowners.

Iowa Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
Funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been provided under the recent Cares Act passed by Congress. Iowa families finding it difficult to pay their utility bills due to COVID-19 can apply for the Energy Assistance program at their local community action agency. Visit www.hacap.org/energy.

2-1-1 Information and Referral
General assistance (in multiple languages) with food, bills, or other essential services is available 24/7. Visit the www.211.org, call the COVID-19 hotline by dialing 2-1-1 from a landline or 800.244.7431 from a cell phone, or text your zip code to 898211.


Iowa Child Care Resource & Referral
Connect to child care openings or temporary child care at Community Support & Recovery Resources 855.244.5301 or www.iowaccrr.org/families.


Free COVID-19 Legal Information Hotline
This is a free service available to Iowans who are experiencing legal issues due to the COVID-19 emergency. Call 800.332.0419 or visit www.iowalegalaid.org.


Local Resources for Food & Necessities
A list of local food pantries, free meal sites, shower locations, and other necessities.

State Resources for Food Assistance

COVID-19 Resources for Underserved Populations
Some populations are more at risk for coronavirus, or impacts of social distancing. Visit the Iowa Department of Public Health website for resources and information for people facing additional risk.


Unemployment Benefits
Call 866.239.0843 or visit www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/COVID-19. Call volume is high so please check the website first if you have access.

COVID Recovery Iowa
COVID Recovery Iowa offers free virtual counseling and assistance for all Iowans affected by COVID‑19. Counselors are available 24/7. For more information, visit covidrecoveryiowa.org.

Mental Health and Addiction
IDPH’s website yourlifeiowa.org has resources for persons experiencing challenges with alcohol, drugs, gambling, suicide, and mental health.

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Phone & Internet Information




Resources for Businesses & Non-Profits

The following resources have been created or collected by the Dubuque County Incident Management Team and reflect the guidance of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Center for Disease Control. Use these resources as general guidance or display and distribution them as business owners, event hosts, teachers, etc.

CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers
Guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19. Information can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html


COVID-19 Business Helpline
A service offered by Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and Northeast Iowa Community College to help employers apply for the Small Business Relief Funding and connect them to additional financial resources. Call 563.588.3350 between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email sbhelpline@nicc.edu.


Dubuque Initiatives Loan Program
Dubuque Initiatives has partnered with the East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) and the COVID-19 Business Helpline to provide loans to small businesses in the City of Dubuque. Loans of $10,000 are repaid over a three-year period at 1% interest. No interest or fees for the first six months after disbursement.

To apply:

  • Call the COVID-19 Business Helpline at 563.588.3350 between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email at sbhelpline@nicc.edu.
  • Helpline experts will review available local, state and federal assistance programs, including the Dubuque Initiatives Loan Program, and what information applicants will need to have prepared.
  • Once the application is complete, processing and disbursement of funds is expected to take place within 48 hours.

Employer/Business Resources
For information on federal and state relief, grants, loans, guidance, and other resources, visit www.greaterdubuque.org/covid19 or call 563.557.9049 


Greater Dubuque Disaster Recovery Fund
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funding to support their work assisting the most vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including seniors and low-income residents. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque continues to accept donations to the fund, and is partnering with the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States to review grant applications and direct funding to nonprofit organizations requesting financial assistance. For more information, or to donate, call 563.588.2700 or visit www.dbqfoundation.org/drf.


Iowa Business Recovery Assistance
Iowa businesses can receive relief assistance for qualifying business concerns. Information can be found at www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/businessrecovery.


Resources for the Creative Sector
The City of Dubuque’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs has compiled a list of resources for organizations, businesses, and individuals that work in the creative sector. Visit www.cityofdubuque.org/ArtsCOVID19 for potential funding opportunities, tips and best practices, and webinars applicable to our local arts and culture community.


Safe at Work in Greater Dubuque
Safe at Work is a local collaboration to assist Dubuque Area employers in implementing COVID-19 guidance put forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) related to safety in the workplace. Information can be found at www.greaterdubuque.org/safe.