Access FEMA Disaster Relief in the State of Iowa
Header image from iowa.gov.
On May 20 – 21, severe storms, tornadoes and flooding moved through Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story counties. This is following severe storms that moved through Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby and Union counties back in April. In response to these storms, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has launched a disaster recovery website to make it easy for Iowans to find resources for a variety of disaster-related needs. This website contains volunteer, donation and state and federal assistance information, including information on Disaster Recover Centers (DRC) sites. Currently, a FEMA DRC is set up in Pleasant Hill until Saturday, June 8. You can also currently find seven other DRCs in Iowa and Nebraska.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website also offers a low-interest loan program for farm property damages, while the Small Business Administration offers disaster loans for small businesses. You can also find free legal services from Disaster Legal Services and Iowa Legal Aid, and the Iowa Department of Labor is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from individuals in southwest and central Iowa whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the disaster. Applications must be filed by Saturday, July 13. To apply, visit Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Apply for FEMA Assistance
For residents affected by the recent disasters, FEMA assistance is available through the FEMA Mobile app, on DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling directly at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). The FEMA app is available on both Apple and Android products and personalizes your disaster resources so you can plan, protect and recover through quick, clear communication, including through National Weather Service real-time weather and emergency alerts.
When you apply for FEMA assistance, you will need an address with zip code, the condition of your damaged home, property damage, losses and needs, an insurance policy number, a social security number for someone in your household, a phone number, email address and bank account information for direct deposit funds. Keep in mind that you can apply for FEMA assistance whether or not you have insurance. It is not based on your amount of income.
In cases where the primary home was destroyed, reach out to the American Red Cross at (800) RED CROSS (733-2767).
What else can you expect to encounter with FEMA Assistance? The counties of Adair, Clarke, Montgomery, Polk, Ringgold, Story and Union will see FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams canvassing neighborhoods, helping with FEMA applications. Note: These team members carry official photo ID. Housing inspectors will visit applicants who have insurance first, and there are translators for language and American Sign Language available by request for these appointments.
Rural Development Rebuilding Programs with USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers the following to help rural people and businesses:
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An assistance fact sheet
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A Resource Guide
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Additional information on grants, community facilities and other program resources
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Low-interest loans for producers during the April 26 – 27 severe weather in the following counties: Clarke, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Union, Adair, Adams, Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Crawford, Dallas, Decatur and Fremont
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Low-interest loans for producers during the April 16 severe weather in the following counties: Allamakee, Dickinson, Emmet, Howard, Kossuth, Lyon, Mitchell, Osceola, Winnebago, Winneshiek and Worth
Money provided by FEMA may include serious needs like water, food, first aid, prescriptions, diapers and more. It can also include displacement assistance, home repair or replacement, rental assistance, personal property, including computers, books and more, and finally, child care, transportation and moving or storage expenses.
Business Loans with SBA
U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits and individual households. SBA can lend funds up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other assets, including additional funds for improvements that protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage. For homeowners with damaged real estate, disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available, while homeowners and renters with damaged property and vehicles are eligible for up to $100,000. Interest will not accrue on these loans until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement.
Looking for the most timely and accurate disaster recovery information? Visit the following webpages to learn more:
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Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.