Disaster relief funds available
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In the past week Ringgold County and a number of our neighboring counties have seen their fair share of violent weather. Downed wires, lightning strikes that started fires and many floods reported across the region. In response to these losses the governors’ office has declared a state of emergency and a subsequent triggering of disaster relief funds.
The governor’s office released the following statement:
“Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Cherokee, Clay, Kossuth, Montgomery, and Ringgold Counties in response to severe weather that occurred on May 15, 2026, and continuing. Governor Reynolds’ proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for those counties. The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.”
The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of personal property or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.
The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation.
Unlike the FEMA funds that were made available when Ringgold County suffered one of its worst hail storms in recent memory in the spring of 2024, these funds are entirely underwritten by the state. Since there is a time limit on the funds availability, residents are encouraged to reach out to the state as soon as possible to file your claim.
Were you affected by the severe weather events on May 15 or after?
Governor Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Ringgold County in response to the multiple severe weather events that impacted our area last weekend.
• Governor Reynolds’ proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program for affected counties. The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.
• The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants up to $7,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Grants are available for:
• Home or car repairs
• Replacement of personal property or food
• Temporary housing expenses
Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.
• The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions. Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain services or resources. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program, and it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation.
• Residents who experienced damage are encouraged to document damages, take photos, and report impacts to local officials as additional damage assessments continue.
• Please continue to use caution around damaged areas, downed power lines, flooded roadways, and debris. Never drive through flooded roads.
• The Disaster Assistance Request Form and instructions can be found on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website, homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance
• For more information on disaster-related programs and resources available to Iowans, visit the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department website, Homelandsecurity.iowa.gov. To learn more about the types of disasters that can occur in Iowa and for preparedness information, visit ready.iowa.gov
