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A MESSAGE FROM THE CONGRESSMAN
FLOOD ASSISTANCE INFORMATION CENTER
Congressman Dave Loebsack speaks with Oakville Mayor Benita Grooms as they survey flood damage and discuss the city’s commitment to recovery.
Dear Neighbor,
As our state works to clean-up and recover from the most significant natural disaster in memory, I want you to know that my office door is always open if you need assistance. During these difficult times, it is my responsibility to cut through red tape and to provide communities, individuals, small businesses, farmers, and non-profit organizations affected by the floods with helpful information on how to apply for disaster aid.
As a result of the floods, I have been forced to temporarily close my Cedar Rapids office. However, everyone in need of assistance is encouraged to visit my Iowa City office or attend one of the many scheduled Flood Assistance Meetings being held by members of my staff throughout the Second District, you can find the schedule of these meetings below.
By providing the best representation and constituent service possible, I am hoping to help residents like yourself begin to get back on your feet. Whether you are a home owner, renter, or small business owner who suffered losses due to the floods, please review the information below on how to apply for federal and state disaster assistance. If you, a loved one, or a friend need additional information or assistance please contact my office today toll-free at 866-914-IOWA.
Thank you,
Dave Loebsack
Your Congressman
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) – ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non profit organizations affected by the severe flooding in counties declared Presidential Disaster Areas and approved for Individual Assistance (currently Cedar, Davis, Des Moines, Johnson, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington Counties in the Second District) should contact FEMA to apply for disaster assistance. To apply by phone call 1 800 621 3362 (TTY 1 800 462 7585 for the speech or hearing impaired), or apply online at www.fema.gov. Please note, residents have until September 27, 2008 to file with FEMA for assistance.
US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) DISASTER LOANS
Homeowners, renters, business owners, and owners of agricultural cooperatives affected by the severe flooding in counties declared Presidential Disaster Areas and approved for Individual Assistance (currently Cedar, Davis, Des Moines, Johnson, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington Counties in the Second District) may be eligible for a loan from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help pay for the rebuilding of damaged property. For information about SBA programs or to apply, individuals may call 1-800 659 2955 (TTY 800 877 8339) or online at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance
IOWA DISASTER REIMBURSEMENT GRANT PROGRAM
The Iowa Disaster Reimbursement Grant Program provides limited financial assistance for eligible homeowners and renters that have disaster related needs in counties declared State Disaster Areas by Governor Culver (currently Appanoose, Henry, Jefferson, and Wayne Counties in the Second District). Under this program, eligible Iowans may apply for a grant of up to $3,300 to help recover from damages. Applications are available online at www.dhs.iowa.gov or by calling toll free 1-877-937 3663. Please be aware, residents are not eligible for both federal and Iowa assistance.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Individuals whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the severe flooding in counties declared Presidential Disaster Areas and approved for Individual Assistance (currently Cedar, Davis, Des Moines, Johnson, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Van Buren, Wapello, and Washington Counties in the Second District) may qualify for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to individuals for up to 26 weeks after a disaster declaration is announced by the President, as long his or her unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster. Please call the United States Department of Labor at 1-877-US-2JOBS (TTY: 1-877-889-5627) for more information.
Individuals in all other counties whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of the severe flooding may apply for state unemployment insurance by contacting Iowa Workforce Development at 1-800-JOB-IOWA or online at www.iowaworkforce.org.
AGRICULTURAL DISASTER RELIEF
USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides assistance and emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses. Producers affected by the recent flooding who experienced crop losses should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) field office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS
The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to provide face-to-face assistance to those affected by the recent floods.
Disaster Recovery Centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. Residents of any county designated in the federal disaster declaration may go to any DRC listed below for information. FEMA disaster assistance specialists and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to answer questions. Other state, federal and non-profit organizations will have information at the DRC as well.
Residents can find the Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers at the Following Locations:
Linn County
- Westdale Mall, 2600 Edgewood Road S.W., Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Anyone with storm-related damage is encouraged to register with FEMA prior to visiting a disaster recovery center, but phones are available at the center if residents have not pre-registered. Register by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech and hearing impairments, 24 hours, seven days a week or register online anytime at www.fema.gov.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Volunteers are needed in every part of the state - rebuilding communities and rebuilding lives. Every Iowan can serve, and every Iowan is needed. Employer flexibility is an essential key in statewide deployment of volunteers. For information about volunteer opportunities in your own community and across the state call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1.800.447.1985.
BE WARY OF DECEITFUL PRACTICES:
Disasters bring out the best in people, and can sometimes bring out the worst. Reports are sporadic at this time, but have indicated that Iowans affected by flood waters have been scammed by people posing as contractors or emergency personnel. Remember:
- Never pay for goods or services in advance
- Never give out your social security number
- Always ask for identification
Report contractor fraud to your local police department, the Iowa State Patrol HELP line at 800-525-5555 and the Iowa Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division (CDP) at 515-281-5926, or 1-888-777-4590 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
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