Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation on April 20 for Carroll, Crawford, Grundy, Harrison, and Washington Counties following severe weather that began on April 13 and continues to affect the area. The proclamation allows state resources to be used for response and recovery efforts in these counties.
The move is significant because it enables affected residents to access support programs aimed at addressing immediate needs caused by the storm. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program has been activated as part of the proclamation. This program offers grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. These grants can be used for home or car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses. Those seeking reimbursement must provide original receipts related to storm recovery expenses.
In addition, the Disaster Case Advocacy Program has also been activated. This program helps individuals with serious needs resulting from disaster-related hardship or injury by connecting them with advocates who assist in creating a recovery plan and provide referrals for necessary services or resources. There are no income requirements for this program, which will remain open for 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation.
Information about how to apply for assistance is available on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Further details about available programs and preparedness information can be found at Homelandsecurity.iowa.gov and ready.iowa.gov.
According to the official website, notable personnel leading these efforts include Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer according to the official website. The Iowa Governor provides statewide leadership from its office in Des Moines according to the official website and supports public initiatives such as food assistance programs according to the official website. Leadership includes both Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer according to the official website, serving residents across Iowa according to the official website.
As recovery continues over coming weeks, residents are encouraged by state leaders to use available resources as they work toward restoring their communities.
