Resources For Disaster Relief
STORM DAMAGE RESPONSE
Many parts of Iowa were affected by a severe derecho storm that swept through the state Monday, August 10, 2020 causing extensive damage and power outages for hundreds of thousands of people, including Linn County residents and businesses.
FEMA Assistance
Linn County residents affected by the August 10 storm may be eligible to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program, which provides disaster-affected homeowners, renters, and businesses with programs and services to maximize recovery, including assistance with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses, and legal services.
Power Outage Updates & Maps
Other resources in the link include: Cooling Centers, Phone Outage - County Departments, Food, Shelter, Places to Charge Medical Equipment & Day Shelters, Electronic Device Charging & Internet Access Locations, Debris Removal, State Disaster Assistance and more.
DERECHO STORM ASSISTANCE & DONATIONS
It is in times of need that we discover the full impact of a community United. As Monday’s derecho storm wreaked havoc on homes and communities across Iowa, United Way is responding by helping individuals and families who are facing devastating losses from the storm. The first of its kind to hit Iowa, the storm has left a wake of destruction in its path—but there is hope. United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties has a history of coordinating community responses to help those affected by natural disasters.
2-1-1 service has been, and continues to be, available for those in need of assistance due to Monday’s storm. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 hotline that provides information to individuals seeking community resources. Those in need of immediate assistance may access support services through 211 by dialing 2-1-1 on their cell or landline, texting their zip code to 898211, visiting 211iowa.org or downloading the 211 Iowa app.
If you have been affected by the storm, and reside in Johnson or Washington County, please contact United Way at 319.338.7823.
Additional storm resources:
County Disaster Reporting, click HERE.
HACAP Disaster Assistance Page, click HERE.
State Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Application, click HERE.
City of Iowa City Resources, click HERE.
Iowa Association of Realtors/National Association of REALTORS Reflief Foundation Mortgage/Rental Assistance, click HERE. Email derechorelief@iowarealtors.com or call 800-532-1515.
Mercy Chefs: A faith-based, nonprofit disaster relief organization that serves professionally prepared meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in national emergencies and natural disasters.
The ROC Center: This group provides services for the community that offer opportunities for a new life, a new hope, and a new future. Their five areas of impact include: Education, Recreation, Business Partnerships, Community Support, and Spiritual Growth & Development.
Operation BBQ Relief: They provide comfort to those in need by connecting, inspiring, serving, and educating in communities far and wide. Operation BBQ Relief continues to respond to natural disasters and other situations to help feed displaced residents and emergency personnel.
Convoy of Hope: this faith-based nonprofit has a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, and disaster response.
The link above provides information on how to apply or request assistance through multiple programs such as:
FEMA assistance for individuals and homeowners
Red Cross financial aid for storm victims
Rental and mortgage assistance
State assistance, for counties not approved for FEMA aid
Assistance for Iowa WIC families for food replacement
Help to replace food for families who receive other food assistance
Help for farmers
Disaster loans from local banks, credit unions