General Relief provides emergency assistance for the needy and poor in Guthrie County, and refers individuals by helping identify resources available to them. The General Relief office is located at 200 North 5th Street, Guthrie Center, Iowa, and can be reached at (000) 000-0000. The courthouse is open from 8:00-4:30, Monday-Friday.  You must call for an appointment so that we can discuss your situation and make sure you bring the required documents with you.

General Relief is funded by the county to provide emergency assistance for basic needs to county residents. Call the office, email or for application. Applications can be accepted in person by appointment, by mail, email, and via the drop box at the east entrance of the courthouse.

Basic needs available:

  • Rent / shelter
  • Utilities
  • Food and provisions
  • Medical services (emergency dental extraction or prescriptions)
  • Transportation (fuel)
  • Burial Assistance (note: You MUST make application after death and before burial.) Eligibility Guidelines can be found HERE.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet several criteria, including the following requirements:

  1. Be a resident of Guthrie County
  2. Actively seek employment in most cases
  3. Meet county income guidelines
  4. Apply for any and all benefits available from federal, state, and local sources
  5. Program is for emergency needs that cannot be met by other means