State and FEMA disaster assistance is available for homeowners and renters affected by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in 28 Iowa counties.

Homeowners and renters Osceola and Pottawattamie counties are now eligible for assistance due to the June flood events.

Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union and Woodbury counties are also potentially eligible for federal assistance due to severe storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Key Messages

• Osceola and Pottawattamie renters and homeowners have been added to the list of counties eligible for assistance due to flooding that occurred June 16 through July 23.
• An Ag Recovery Center event will be held on July 25 in Cedar County at the County Fairgrounds and on July 30 in Sioux County at Dordt University.
• Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP) is available in eligible counties. Residents can apply online or by calling 1-833-307-6030. The Call Center is open daily from 7 a.m.– 8 p.m.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Iowa

State Disaster Recovery Housing Programs

For Homeowners:

Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP)

Governor Reynolds has announced a Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP) that will provide temporary sheltering options .

The Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program (DRTHP) is available through the state of Iowa to provide temporary sheltering options for eligible disaster survivors as they pursue long-term housing solutions. For this program, housing options may include recreational vehicles and travel trailers, for up to six months at no cost for Iowans whose homes were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable.

The household must have a primary residence located in one of the following FEMA Individual Assistance designated counties: Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Union, and Woodbury.

Residents can apply online or by calling 1-833-307-6030. The Call Center is open daily from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Homeowner Grant Program

The Disaster Recovery Housing Assistance Program application is open now for disaster-impacted homeowners in Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Emmet, Harrison, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Union and Woodbury counties. This state of Iowa- run program addresses unmet housing recovery needs outside the scope of insurance coverage or FEMA Individual Assistance. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for the repair or rehabilitation of their disaster-impacted homes. The program ID is 28.

For Developers:

The State Disaster Recovery New Housing Grant Program application is open now for developers. The program ID is 571222 It will provide financial assistance for the development of for sale and rental housing in cities impacted by the disasters in Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Cedar, Cherokee, Clarke, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Harrison, Humboldt, Jasper, Lyon, Mills, Montgomery, O’Brien, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Sioux, Union and Woodbury counties. *

All Iowa Housing Program Information can be found at Disasterrecovery.iowa.gov Housing Information

Applications for state grant programs are available on IowaGrants.gov. First-time users must create an account. A short instructional video can help applicants with the login process. A call center is also available for those who need additional assistance with their application.

*Additional counties may be added. A list of counties, including those approved for FEMA Individual Assistance, as required for this program, is available at disasterassistance.gov.

Free Demonstrations on Saving Disaster Damaged Family Treasures coming to local Iowa DRCs

Iowa’s recent severe storms and flooding have likely wreaked havoc on more than your house. Some of your priceless photos, books and other family treasures or heirlooms may have been damaged too.

Before you throw these mementos away you may want to meet with FEMA preservation professionals who may be able to offer you tips on how to save your items.

These specialists will have free demonstration on how to clean photos, preserve books, electronic media and textiles at local Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) starting July 24.

Survivors are asked not to bring damaged items to the DRCs to avoid a chance of causing more damage in transit. Instead, it is recommended that you digitally photograph the item(s) about which you would like to ask the specialists for advice.

To see the schedule and get more information about the program click here.

Types of FEMA Individual Assistance

Money provided by FEMA does not have to be repaid and may include:

• Serious Needs: Money for lifesaving and life-sustaining items, including water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding supplies, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.
• Displacement: Money you can use to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family or friends, or for any other available housing options if you can’t return home following a disaster.
• Home Repair or Replacement: Money to help you repair or replace your home damaged by the disaster. The money can also help with pre-existing damage to parts of your home where the disaster caused further damage.
• Rental Assistance: Money you can use to rent housing if you are displaced from your home because of the disaster.

• Personal Property: Money to help you repair or replace appliances, room furnishings, and a personal or family computer damaged by the disaster. This can also include money for books, uniforms, tools, additional computers and other items required for school or work, including self-employment.
• Child Care: Money to help you pay for increased or child care expenses caused by the disaster.

• Transportation: Money to help you repair or replace a vehicle damaged by the disaster when you don’t have another vehicle you can use.
• Moving and Storage Expenses: Money to help you move and store personal property from your home to prevent additional damage.

How to Apply with FEMA

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362) Call FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362) Open Sunday - Saturday 7a.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

Agriculture Recovery Center to Open in Cedar, Sioux counties

State, federal and local agencies, in conjunction with farming industry groups, will host Agriculture Recovery Center events to help Iowans recover from spring tornado, flood and storm damage. They will be held in:

• • Cedar County – Cedar County Fair Grounds Mathews Building, 1195 210th St, Tipton, IA 52772 on Thursday, July 25 from noon to 8 p.m., and
  • Sioux County - Dordt University, Agriculture Stewardship Building, located at 3648 US-75 Sioux Center, IA 51520 on Tuesday, July 30 from noon – 8 p.m.

The walk-through events, designed as a resource fair, will provide information on addressing agricultural or rural needs that are not covered by standard programs offered by FEMA or the state of Iowa. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Iowa Insurance Division and other government agencies are working with industry organizations such as Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Soybean and Iowa Cattlemen to ensure unmet needs are identified and resources are shared.

FEMA Home Inspections in Iowa

FEMA housing inspectors are working in designated counties inspecting damage reported by people who have

applied with FEMA for disaster assistance. Inspectors will call or text first to make an appointment. They will display official photo ID. If it is not visible, it is OK to ask to see it. This helps prevent fraud.

Applicants without insurance may be contacted first. Insured applicants may be contacted for an inspection after they send FEMA a copy of the declarations page from their insurance policy or settlement information.

FEMA home inspections conduct rapid assessments of a home’s habitability. FEMA policy does not allow inspectors to go on roofs or into crawl spaces or basements that have standing water or have structural issues.

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

Helpful Information

• For information on numerous Iowa Disaster Recovery Assistance Programs, click here State of Iowa Assistance

• Iowans in need of assistance with basic needs, physical and mental health, disability services, employment, etc., should visit https://211iowa.org/
• How to Document Flood Damage Insurance Claims (floodsmart.gov)

• Mold Problems and Solutions: If your home was flooded, mold may be present and can pose a health risk. You may see or smell mold on clothing, drywall or furniture, and it may be hidden under or behind items like flooring, appliances or walls. Drying your home and removing water-damaged items is the most important step to repair mold damage. Post-Flood Clean-Up Resources | Iowa.gov Homeowners and Renters Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters
• State Disaster New Housing Grant Program: https://www.iowaeda.com/disaster-recovery/new-housing-2024/

• Disaster Recovery Farm Interest Program (DRFIP): https://www.iowafinance.com/disaster-recovery-farm- interest-program-drfip/
• The Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services has created a comprehensive post-disaster insurance claims guide to help in the disaster recovery process.
• The Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Department coordinates the Iowa Hazard Mitigation Program which works to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards and their effects. For more information on the grant program visit Hazard Mitigation | Homeland Security and Emergency Management (iowa.gov)

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s disaster assistance fact sheet for Iowa is a one-stop-shop of Rural Development (RD) programs and contact information that can be used to help people and businesses in rural Iowa rebuild and recover from severe weather and natural disasters. Additional resources are listed: https://www.rd.usda.gov/resources/rural-development-disaster- assistance.
• Free Legal Assistance Legal Aid of Iowa’s Disaster Relief Project provides information and legal assistance for disaster survivors regarding insurance, housing contractor fraud and document replacement. The Hotline 1- 866-761-4692 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Survivors can also email: disaster@iowalaw.org.

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 Centers here:

For more SBA Disaster info, visit: Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Now Available for Iowa Counties

Iowa Workforce Development is now accepting applications for DUA from individuals in numerous Iowa counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes,