If you qualify, there's some help now. More could be coming.
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a state disaster declaration that provides grants to low-income Iowans for flood cleanup. It's for Boone, Dallas, Jasper and Polk counties and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program.
Reynolds also says she intends to request a federal disaster declaration from President Trump. That would trigger low-interest loans to businesses and residents to fix up flood damaged homes and facilities. There's no guarantee that Trump will approve it, however.
Meanwhile, these are now available...
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $41,560 for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
Disaster Case Management is a program to address serious needs to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse condition. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit www.iowacommunityaction.org.
Residents of counties impacted by the recent severe weather are asked to report damage to help local and state officials better understand the damage sustained. Damage to property, roads, utilities and other storm-related information may be reported. This information will be collected by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and shared with local emergency management agencies. Report damage through the form provided by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
There's a website to help deal with all the requirements of the program. It's at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/disasterrecovery/flooding.
You can also get help by calling 2-1-1 in Polk County.
Hotlines are also available for those who have experienced flooding. They can be accessed at:
* Iowa Concern Hotline: 800-447-1985 Help and referrals for dealing with stress, crisis and loss in times of disaster.
* Teenline —800-443-8336 Available all hours, all days. Personal and health-related information and referral.