–Area residents who suffered property damage during the severe weather earlier this month can directly apply for state assistance today in Palo Alto County.
Emergency Management officials have established a Disaster Assistance Center that will be open in Graettinger today from 11AM-7PM where residents can meet with advocates and apply for funding in person.
Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamations for Kossuth, Emmet, Palo Alto, Hancock, Pocahontas, and Winnebago counties last week following severe weather events beginning on May 15th. That proclamation activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program.
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant program can provide households up to $7,000 for things like car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. Grants are available to households with income levels at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, providing that household members are citizens or legally residing in the country.
The Disaster Case Advocacy program has no income restrictions, and case advocates work directly with residents to create personalized recovery plans, while providing guidance and referrals to necessary services.
Residents are encouraged to bring identification, proof of income for grant applications, and any original receipts for storm related expenses to expedite the process.
Assistance applications can also be submitted online at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance.
