Yesterday, August 6th, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Lee and Sioux counties in response to severe weather that occurred beginning Aug. 4. The governor’s proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
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. 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 Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim meaning applications need to be submitted by Wednesday, September 20th for storm damage received over the weekend.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious disaster-related needs. Disaster case advocates work with clients to coordinate services and resources to address disaster-related unmet needs, build a recovery plan, and access available resources. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation giving you a deadline of February 3rd of 2024. To sign up for the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, contact your local Community Action Agency: https://iowacommunityaction.org/find-an-agency/.