Resources
Publications
2023 – 2026 Publications
Accessing Affordable Healthcare in Iowa
February 2026
UpLift has partnered with Disability Rights Iowa to create their latest publication called “Accessing Affordable Healthcare in Iowa”. This new resource provides an valuable information about what Medicaid is, how it functions as a program, the different ways people can be eligible for assistance, what impacts Medicaid has in the state and rural communities, and includes helpful resources when trying to apply.
Understanding State and Federal Taxes
Updated 2025 tax resource
UpLift has partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Bank On Iowa to update last year’s publication “Understanding State and Federal Taxes”. This refreshed resource provides an explanation of recent tax changes and a variety of resources related to refund delivery and tax deductions.
Separate handouts include information on Iowa’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where qualifying individuals can receive free basic tax return preparation services, as well as where Iowans can find certified Bank On accounts to set up direct deposits for tax refund checks.
Creating Economic Mobility Experiences in Central Iowa
October 2025
UpLift has partnered with Capital Crossroads and By Degrees to publish Creating Economic Mobility Experiences in Central Iowa. This publication takes the Camber Collective’s Economic Mobility Experiences framework and applies it to our Central Iowa workplans and current initiatives that our community has already identified and committed to support. Case studies are provided by By Degrees, Simpson College, and other local organizations.
Public Benefits 102: A Deeper Dive into Iowa Public Benefits
October 2024
In partnership with United Ways of Iowa, Disability Rights Iowa, Iowa SHIIP, DMARC, EveryStep, and Iowa ACE 360, UpLift if proud to release, Public Benefits 102: A Deeper Dive into Iowa Public Benefits. As a follow-up to Public Benefits 101, this publication goes deeper into Iowa’s food security programs, child care assistance, federal rental assistance, healthcare programs, and cash assistance.
This document provides an overview of how each program is funded, how it benefits Iowans, and how Iowans are utilizing these services.
Introduction to Public Benefits
February 2024
“Public Benefits 101: Introduction to Iowa Public Benefits” was created in partnership with United Ways of Iowa and Disability Rights Iowa. This high-level overview is intended to serve as a tool to help readers deepen their understanding of Iowa’s current social safety net while also helping connect community members to needed supports.
Eviction in Iowa
September 2024
In partnership with Homeward, Iowa Legal Aid, and IMPACT Community Action Partnership, UpLift is proud to publish Eviction in Iowa, a look at Iowa’s spectrum of housing needs. This publication explores current trends in Iowa evictions and the potential solution of eviction expungement.
Available and Affordable Housing
September 2024
In partnership with Homeward and Polk County Housing Trust Fund, UpLift is proud to present, Affordable and Available Housing, a look at Iowa’s spectrum of housing needs. This publication explores the affordability and availability of housing for Iowa’s most vulnerable – very low-income and extremely low-income households.
Workforce Housing and Homeownership
September 2024
In partnership with Capital Crossroads, Polk County Housing Trust Fund, and Home Inc., UpLift is proud to present, Workforce Housing and Homeownership. This publication explores workforce housing and the pursuit of homeownership.
Why Benefits Model Innovation is Needed
October 2023
“Why Benefits Model Innovation is Needed” was made in partnership with United Ways of Iowa and uses UpLift participant and 2023 ALICE data to explore the financial well-being of Iowans. Throughout this report many indicators show that the Central Iowa community is struggling to meet their most basic needs. In order to create a thriving, healthy community it is important to explore innovative ways to create economic stability for all.
Meet the Participants
May 2023
110 Central Iowans were randomly selected to receive a $500 monthly basic income for two years as part of a community study on how unrestricted cash can reduce poverty and impact health and well-being. Here is a look at who began receiving payments in May 2023.
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