Primghar, Iowa — The deadline for O’Brien County citizens affected by this summer’s flooding to apply for state help is approaching.
O’Brien County Emergency Management Director Jared Johnson says that the Upper Des Moines Opportunity Office in Primghar is only accepting applications for the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program until July 29th. He says individuals that were impacted by the flash flood incidents within O’Brien County during June may complete an application.
Governor Kim Reynolds’ disaster proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond and recover.
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.
The town of Hartley was hard hit by flash flooding that accompanied the torrential rains in June, and on June 15th, Hartley’s Mayor signed a local Disaster Declaration and made an appeal to the Iowa Department of Homeland Security, which made Governor Reynolds disaster proclamation possible.
Johnson also passed along information from Northwest Iowa Planning and Development about the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund. Officials say this program can be used for home repairs for qualifying homeowners. There are several levels of assistance the housing trust fund can provide, depending on income.
