Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has added six more counties to the disaster list after this week’s December derecho.
The governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather in the six additional counties of Emmet, Franklin, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, and Woodbury. The counties join 43 others that were proclaimed disaster areas earlier.
In addition, the proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program, for Franklin, Humboldt, and Woodbury counties.
The Governor’s staff tell us that 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 Human Services website at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
They say the Disaster Case Management Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. 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.
