Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for O’Brien County and three other counties following Monday’s severe weather.
The governor’s proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program for Clarke, Marion, O’Brien, and Pottawattamie counties. Those counties experienced severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and some funnel clouds. Many areas also got heavy rain in the Monday storms. The Governor earlier issued state disaster declarations for nine counties hit by tornadoes on April 26th. The governor also requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for those nine counties.
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 homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals 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 Advocacy Program, contact your local community action agency or visit iowacommunityaction.org.
