Derecho Recovery Resources

The derecho that swept across Iowa on August 10, 2020 left behind a trail of destruction and has devastated communities across our state. While hearing firsthand from Iowans on the ground and assessing the heartbreaking damage sustained by our communities, I have seen folks step up and come together to help their neighbors in need. It’s the Iowa way.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued disaster proclamations to mobilize critical resources for over two dozen counties. This proclamation, includes grant assistance, debris removal services, and other essential supplies. At the federal level, I am committed to providing my support and assistance to Iowans as they work to recover from the derecho.

Please visit the resources listed below for more information on how to receive assistance during this challenging time. My staff is also available to provide guidance and assistance, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

State Level Program Assistance

The proclamations issued by Governor Kim Reynolds have activated programs to assist Iowans faced with injury, displacement or the loss of personal items.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides Iowans with aid for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses:

Iowans are eligible for grants of up to $5,000 with a household income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $43,440 for a family of three
For additional information, call toll-free 1-877-347-5678. To apply, visit the Iowa Department of Human Services website.

Food Assistance

Organizations across the state are providing food assistance to Iowans impacted by the derecho. To see an up-to-date list of active food pantries and locations serving hot meals, visit the Iowa.gov website.

Displaced Iowans

The American Red Cross is providing critical resources to assist Iowa with recovery efforts, including shelter, food, and guidance for Iowans. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call 1-800-RED-CROSS and dial 0 to speak with a representative.

Iowans who lost their homes to the derecho and have been displaced should call the State Helpline Center at 2-1-1, or toll free at 1-800-244-7431 to receive information regarding available assistance.

A list of shelter services and resources for housing assistance is available through the Office of the Governor on the Iowa.gov Disaster Recovery website.

Mental Health Support

Trained volunteers with the Iowa Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team are providing mental health support to Iowans who need assistance in the aftermath of the derecho. For more information on their services and other mental health resources available in Iowa, visit the Iowa.gov website.

Farmers and Producers

Iowa’s farmers and producers are grappling with the impacts of the derecho, and many have lost livestock, crops, and are in need of financial assistance. The USDA is mobilizing a number of resources to assist farmers and members of the agriculture community:

Livestock owners who have lost animals due to the storm may be eligible under the USDA Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Livestock Indemnity Program or Emergency Assistance for Livestock program
Producers who have lost uninsured crops to the derecho can seek assistance under the USDA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
FSA offers a number of additional disaster recovery programs farmers may be eligible under, including the Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, Emergency Conservation Program, Emergency Forest Restoration Program, and Tree Assistance Program.
The USDA’s online disaster assistance tool is available here and includes a complete list of the agency’s disaster recovery programs
Iowa State University is providing Storm Damage Resources to farmers as part of their “Stress on the Farm: Strategies That Help” program. Visit their website for more information on their program offerings.

Iowa State Parks

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is assisting in the recovery process and providing resources to Iowans impacted by the derecho. The storms have caused some of Iowa’s state parks to close or remain closed indefinitely. Click here for a complete list of Iowa State Parks closures from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Volunteer Assistance

There are a number of volunteer organizations across Iowa who are providing their services to help with storm relief and recovery efforts. To seek assistance or volunteer your support to help fellow Iowans in need, visit the following pages: