State centralizes disaster recovery resources

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has launched a disaster recovery website it says will help Iowans find needed resources after severe storms.

Disasterrecovery.iowa.gov includes links to statewide disaster unemployment insurance forms and Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program applications, as well as connections to federal relief programs administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and Department of Agriculture.

"During times of crisis, it's important for communities to come together, support one another, and have access to much-needed resources,” Director of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management John Benson said in a news release. “The launch of this disaster recovery website is another step to providing assistance and resources to those affected by the recent severe weather in Iowa."

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen said she was glad to see a website with all of the resources in one place.

For Iowans who recently lost homes, computer equipment or other resources in severe storms, finding information online after a natural disaster can be an uphill battle. Also challenging, Reisen said, was knowing what to look for in the first place: many are unaware of their options.

“The recovery process can be incredibly challenging, especially because a lot of the assistance programs have a hard deadline,” she said in an email. “Consolidating information into one central location will ensure that people will be able to find information that they might not even know they need.

“For example, there are great resources from the Iowa Insurance Division and Iowa Legal Aid — two entities that are very important if you are having issues with your insurance company handling your claims properly.”

Washington County was among 10 named by the governor in a disaster proclamation on May 24, making residents eligible for the Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program if they’re at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Property owners affected by the preceding storm have until July 8, 2024 to apply for up to $5,000 grants from the program, before the proclamation expires.

The Iowa Department of Homeland Security acknowledged a public record request from The Southeast Iowa Union, but could not immediately provide information about the number or monetary value of Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program cases in Washington County in recent years.

The Disaster Case Advocacy Program was activated by the proclamation as well. County residents, regardless of income, have until Nov. 20, 2024 to apply for that assistance, which helps Iowans form recovery plans and refers them to other services.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com