Resources for Victims of Flooding

On Wednesday, January 30, President Bush approved a request by Governor Daniels that was supported by the entire Indiana Congressional Delegation to declare the recent flooding in Indiana a major disaster and thus eligible for federal aid.

As a result, residents of certain counties hard hit by the disaster are eligible for direct federal help, and governments and certain non-profits in all counties across the state can apply through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for assistance to prevent or reduce the damage of future disasters.

Individual Assistance (assistance to individuals and households)

• What is it? Direct financial assistance to help with temporary housing costs; home repairs not covered by insurance; home replacement or rebuilding costs not covered by insurance; disaster-related medical costs; and money for clothes, home furnishings, home heating oil or gas, disaster damaged vehicles, moving or storage costs, and more.
• Who is eligible? Residents of Carroll, Cass, Elkhart, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Pulaski, Tippecanoe, and White Counties.
  NOTE: On February 21, FEMA amended the current disaster declaration for flood hit areas of Indiana to include people harmed by the flooding in Starke, St. Joseph and LaPorte Counties.
• How to apply: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm or 1-800-621-FEMA, and 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

• What is it? Grants for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.
• Who is eligible?  State and local governments and certain non-profit private organizations in all Indiana counties.
• How to apply:  Indiana State Hazard Mitigation Program, 317-232-3831.  More on the web at: http://www.in.gov/dhs/2292.htm and http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/hmgp/

• http://www.tippearc.org/ (Red Cross)
• http://www.in.gov/dhs/index.htm

• Congressman Donnelly’s letter to the president asking him to approve Gov. Daniels’ request for FEMA funds