Last Wednesday, just one day after an outbreak of severe weather including confirmed tornadoes, high winds, and large hail did extensive damage in the nearby towns of Humboldt, Gilmore City, and Kanawha, Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation. The proclamation affects seven counties in the state, including Cerro Gordo, Hancock, Humboldt, Mitchell, Pocahontas, Winneshiek, and Worth.
The Governor’s proclamation enables State of Iowa resources to be used for disaster relief and recovery purposes in the affected counties. It also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents.
Households in the affected counties with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line, for a family of three, are eligible for assistance. The program provides up to $5,000 for qualifying households, for approved purposes. The application and instructions can be found at https://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs and applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit their claim.
The state’s Disaster Case Management program is also activated by the Governor’s proclamation. The program provides guidance to those with more serious needs, creating a disaster recovery plan for those most severely impacted by the disaster. Case managers with the program are also tasked with providing those facing disaster related obstacles with referrals to access services and resources they need.
If you or anyone you know have a household in the affected counties and need help, contact any local community action association for assistance. Wright County residents assisting those in affected counties, or who were affected despite Wright County being outside the proclaimed disaster area, can receive advice at Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. (UDMO) located at 221 W. Broadway in Eagle Grove. UDMO also offers additional services that may be helpful in overcoming disaster related challenges for Wright County residents. Go to www.iowacommunityaction.org for more information online.
