FEMA and Non-Profit Organizations  

Non-profit organizations ARE eligible for FEMA funds. 24 counties have been declared federal disaster areas: Adams, Benton, Bremer, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Louisa, Marion, Muscatine, Page, Polk, Story, Tama, Union and Winneshiek.

FEMA/NATIONAL HELP: From the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other national groups: When the President signs a Federal Disaster Declaration, Federal Individual Assistance programs are made available. Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations whose property has been damaged or destroyed may receive federal assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

To register or get information, contact FEMA at 800-621-3362, TTY for the speech or hearing impaired at 1-800-462-7585 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or at www.fema.gov.

Register within 60 days and retain your registration number. File any subsequent claims using that number.

FEMA's Individuals and Households Program may be able to provide rental payments or temporary housing funds to those whose homes are unlivable. Home repair and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance also may be available.

Other Needs Assistance is a federally funded program administered by the state of Iowa. This covers disaster-related needs such as medical and dental costs, funeral and burial costs, clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing or equipment) required for your job; necessary educational materials (computers, school books, supplies); cleanup items (humidifier, dehumidifier); disaster-damaged vehicles; moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing property to avoid additional damage while repairs are made to homes); replacement of personal property and help to meet other serious, necessary disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs. Contact the ONA Helpline at 1-866-434-4692 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The federal disaster declaration also enables Iowa's DHS to seek approval for emergency food stamp benefits. The deadline for Black Hawk and Butler county residents is Wednesday.

The U.S. Small Business Administration can provide low-interest loans, 1-800-659-2955, TTY 800-877-8339. These may include home disaster loans for real estate or personal property, including vehicles; business physical disaster loans; economic injury disaster loans, which can include farms. For additional information, www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.

Families affected by flooding can contact the American Red Cross, 1-866-438-4636.

Iowans who wish to donate goods and services may contact Iowa Concern Hotline, 1-800-447-1985.

Other government disaster programs can include disaster unemployment, crisis counseling, legal assistance, IRS assistance for casualty loss, veterans assistance, HUD housing, USDA rural housing. Sources: FEMA, SBA