Sheldon, Iowa — The FEMA office may have left Sheldon, but they’re still trying to help area residents.
FEMA is at the Downtown Hardware Hank store at 816 Third Avenue in Sheldon daily through this Friday, October 4th. They’re there every day from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., providing free information about how to make your home stronger and safer – whether it was damaged by this summer’s severe storms or not.
FEMA officials tell us FEMA has provided $66.8 million in Individual Assistance to Iowa residents who suffered serious damage from this year’s flooding, severe storms, and tornadoes. Approximately 6,830 households have been approved.
In addition to Individual Assistance money, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has paid $11.8 million in claims for Iowa policyholders. More than 200 claims have been submitted. This money helps survivors with home repairs, paying for a temporary place to live, and other serious needs not covered by insurance.
Residents are encouraged to ask FEMA for Rental Assistance money if they cannot live in their home because of the disaster.
DRCs have served more than 4,000 households. They encourage you to take advantage of the FEMA DRCs while they are open.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Iowa
DRCs are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays
| Clay County Spencer City Hall City Council Chambers 101 W. Fifth St. Spencer, IA 51301 | Sioux County City Park Shelter House 1013 13th Ave. Rock Valley, IA 51247 |
How to Apply with FEMA
The application deadline for FEMA Disaster Assistance has been extended to October 22 for counties affected by the storms and flooding events June 16-July 23, 2024
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362) Open Sunday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. ET.
- Download and use the FEMA app.
FEMA works with each household on a case-by-case basis. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448.
How to Appeal a FEMA Decision
You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc.
Each FEMA decision letter you receive explains types of documents that may help you appeal your decision or award amount for that type of assistance.
More information: How to Appeal a FEMA Decision
FEMA individual Assistance Call Center
Applicants with insurance may receive a call from FEMA Individual Assistance Call Center to assist them with completing their applications. Survivors may receive a phone call, text and email requesting additional insurance information.
Insurance information is the most common missing document. If homeowners cannot find the insurance policy or the insurance declaration, or the information was lost during the disaster, it can usually be located on the insurance company’s website or by contacting the insurance agent.
FEMA may be able to help with damages not covered by insurance. Once an insurance settlement is reached FEMA may be able to help with the difference between the settlement and actual cost of repairs. Applicants should keep receipts. You may receive an automated phone call, text message or email offering additional resources available to you.
U.S. Small Business Administration provides personal help, loans
The Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans after a disaster to help businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations and individual households. Representatives of businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations and individual households are welcome to visit SBA Business Recovery Center here:
| Sioux County Centre Mall 251 N. Main Ave, #212 Sioux Center, IA 51250 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays |
For more SBA Disaster info, visit: Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
Disaster recovery websites and social media channels
Please visit these websites and follow us on social media for timely and accurate information. Websites:
- DisasterRecovery.iowa.gov
- FEMA’s Iowa Recovery Page: fema.gov/disaster.4796, fema.gov/disaster/4779 and fema.gov/disaster/4784
- Download and use the FEMA app
Social Media:
Facebook: Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management www.facebook.com/IowaHSEM/
X (Formerly Twitter), Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: IowaHSEM (@IowaHSEM) / X
FEMA Region 7: x.com/femaregion7
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Press 2 for Spanish.
