A week after the devastating Aug. 10 derecho storm, state and local resources are now available to those who need financial help, housing, or help clearing their property of storm debris.
State of Iowa Department of Human Resources
The Department of Human Resources has several programs available to those impacted by the storm, which can be found on their website.
The Iowa Individual Disaster Assistance Grant Program offers grants to families whose household income is at 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Each qualifying household may receive up to $5,000. The form can be found online, and turned into the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, or HACAP. Their number is 319-739-0056. Residents should also self-report their damage online.
These grants can go towards home and car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses.
United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties
The United Way has coordinated local efforts by connecting individuals or families facing losses from the storm to the right local resources. Those that need help can call the United Way's 2-1-1 phone number, texting their zip code to 898211, or visiting 211iowa.org.
They have also opened the United Way's local Community Disaster Relief Fund, which they will distribute to individuals or families in crisis. Residents can call 319-338-7823 to inquire about financial assistance. Those looking to donate can visit UnitedWayJWC.org.
The United Way can also coordinate volunteers to help those who cannot clear their storm debris by themselves. Those who need assistance can call 319-338-7823. Those who wish to volunteer with the United Way can call 319-337-8657.
Debris clean-up
The City has enacted several measures to help clean up after the storm. City crews will be making two passes down City streets to pickup storm debris left at the curb.
Along with the Landfill, the City has also opened a second storm debris drop off site in a lot located just south of the Iowa City Transit facilities at 1200 S. Riverside Drive. The area will be marked by orange signs. This drop off site will be open until at least Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020.
If residents wish to report downed trees or limbs on sidewalks, in the right-of-way, or on the street, they can call Streets and Traffic Engineering at 319-356-5181, or report the problem at icgov.org/ICgovXpress.
More information about the City's clean-up efforts can be found at icgov.org/StormRecovery.