State and Local Resources for Derecho Victims
State and local resources are now available to those who need financial assistance, housing or help clearing their property of debris from the catastrophic Aug. 10 derecho storm. Find more resources on our Derecho Storm page.
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 percent 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 (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.
City of Coralville Debris Clean Up
Coralville crews will complete the second round of collection of derecho storm debris collection by Friday, August 28. For tree debris remaining after that date, residents have multiple options to drop debris until Friday, Sept. 11, at 3:30 pm. Learn how at https://www.coralville.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1987.
City of Iowa City Debris Clean Up
The City of Iowa City has enacted several measures to help with storm clean up. 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 the Iowa City 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.
Iowa Association of Realtors
The Iowa Association of REALTORS® (IAR) partnered with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to provide storm relief. NAR’s REALTOR Relief Foundation has awarded IAR a grant of $250,000. This grant can help individuals affected by the Derecho Storm with mortgage payment assistance or rental costs due to displacement up to $1,000 per applicant. View details at https://www.iowarealtors.com/news/derecho-storm-relief. All questions regarding the grant can be directed to derechorelief@iowarealtors.com or 800-532-1515.
