In addition to the financial and emotional impact of a pandemic, many central Iowans are facing the aftermath of a natural disaster that has caused the loss of housing, food supplies and more.
The Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program can provide financial help for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. You may apply for reimbursement for temporary housing, loss of personal property, home repairs or food loss as a direct result of the Aug. 10 derecho storm.
Contact Dallas County Health Navigation for the application at 515-993-3750 or phn@dallascountyiowa.gov.
New Opportunities can help you develop and carry out a plan for such things as finding financial help for roof repairs or replacing spoiled food. Call 515-465-5185 or the main office at 712-830-0836.
If your family is already receiving Food Assistance, get help replacing food with a one-page application at the Iowa Department of Human Services website.
If your receive WIC food assistance, any WIC food purchased from Aug. 1-10 and then spoiled by the storm or power outage may be replaced. Call your local WIC agency by Aug. 31.
Don’t overlook the emotional toll of a natural disaster. The Red Cross Disaster Helpline is there to help. Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
