IOWA, USA — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for five Iowa counties following Monday's derecho that tore across the state.
The proclamation covers Des Moines, Dubuque, Mitchell, Polk and Scott Counties.
With the disaster proclamation in effect, residents of the impacted counties are able to apply for help through the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program. Iowans with income up to 200% of the federal poverty label are eligible to receive up to $7,000 to help with home repairs, clothing replacement, food purchases and temporary housing expenses. Applications for assistance can be submitted here and must be sent in within 45 days of the proclamation.
Additionally, residents can also apply for the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, which pairs clients with an advocate who can help create a disaster recovery plan and help provide guidance towards obtaining recovery services. This program has no eligibility requirement, and applications close 180 days after the proclamation took effect. Residents can find more information on the program here.
Outside of the disaster proclamation, Iowa's Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program was approved by FEMA. Residents of Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Clay, Emmet, Jasper, Lyon, Montgomery, O'Brien, Plymouth, Polk, Sioux and Story Counties can apply. The program provides temporary housing for up to six months for Iowans who have had their homes damaged, destroyed or rendered uninhabitable in counties under federal disaster declarations.
In order to be eligible for benefits, residents must first apply for FEMA disaster assistance. You can do that through one of the following options:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
- Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)
- Download and use the FEMA app
- Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to apply or get application assistance
Once that's done, you can apply online for Iowa's program here or call 608-480-8808 or the toll-free line at 833-307-6030.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel