Assistance Programs

Disaster Assistance

In addition to the self-help efforts of individuals and families and the efforts of local government, voluntary agencies are a key part of the effective response to and recovery from a disaster.

Voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) are an essential part of any disaster relief effort, providing critical assistance with food, shelter, clothing, household items, medical expenses, clean-up, repairs, and rebuilding.

Here is the link to look up disaster assistance via your zip code.

Individual Assistance Programs

Individual Assistance Programs include grant programs administered by the state and the FEMA and a loan program administered by the Small Business Administration. These programs provide assistance to:

  • Businesses
  • Families
  • Homeowners
  • Individuals
  • Renters

If these programs are included in a presidential declaration, the public will be notified of the declaration through the local media. The FEMA Apply for Assistance web page provides detailed information on the Individual Assistance Programs.

Information via American Sign Language

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers an American Sign Language video with answers to frequently asked questions about Federal Disaster Assistance.

Iowa Department of Human Services

Some public assistance recipients may be eligible for assistance from the Iowa Department of Human Services. If you are a public assistance recipient who has been through a disaster, contact your case worker for additional information.

Public Assistance Programs

The Public Assistance Program makes grants available to state agencies, local government organizations, and certain private non-profit organizations that incurred costs or damage as a result of the disaster. Units of government and eligible private non-profit organizations within the area declared a disaster will be contacted by state and local officials so that they may apply for grants.

Detailed information on the Public Assistance Program may be found on the web at FEMA - Public Assistance Program.