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Important Update: Iowa HSEM Assumes Responsibility for Disaster Services

Beginning August 1, Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. will no longer be administering the Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) or Disaster Case Advocacy Program (DCA). In recent months, state administration of these programs transferred from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). With that transition, HSEM made the decision to also take responsibility for program delivery. That state department now has total responsibility for the management and delivery of services in the event of a declared disaster in any of Iowa’s 99 counties.

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.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program application, along with its instructions, as well as information on the Disaster Case Advocacy Program, can be found on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.

To learn more, please visit https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/disasters/individual-disaster-assistance-programs or email: individualdisasterassistance@iowa.gov.