Iowans whose homes were destroyed by floods, tornadoes can now apply for temporary housing

Iowans whose homes were destroyed by flooding or tornadoes can now apply for temporary housing assistance, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday.

The Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Assistance Program is offered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This marks the first time that Iowa has been approved for the program, which is typically used in hurricane-prone states.

Reynolds announced last week that the state was applying for the program in the wake of several rounds of tornadoes and flooding that have damaged 5,000 homes across the state, including 2,000 that suffered major damage or were destroyed.

Here are the details:

What is the Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program?

The Disaster Recovery Temporary Housing Program works by providing Iowans whose homes were damaged or destroyed by severe weather with temporary housing for up to six months.

Housing options could include an RV, travel trailer, mobile home or hotel.

Iowans approved for the program will not pay any costs for the home, other than utilities.

Which Iowa counties are eligible for temporary housing assistance?

Residents of 14 Iowa counties are eligible for temporary housing assistance if they meet all the program's criteria. They are:

• Adair
• Adams
• Buena Vista
• Cedar
• Clay
• Emmet
• Jasper
• Lyon
• Montgomery
• O'Brien
• Plymouth
• Polk
• Sioux
• Story

What do I need to do before I apply for temporary housing assistance?

Iowans whose primary residence is in one of the eligible counties must first apply with FEMA for individual disaster assistance.

They can do so by:

• Visiting disasterassistance.gov.
• Calling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362).
• Downloading and using the FEMA app.
• Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

Homeowners also need to file a claim with their insurance company in order to be eligible for temporary housing assistance. They'll need to show documentation for both their FEMA individual assistance application and insurance claim to qualify.

How do I apply for temporary housing assistance?

Once Iowans have filed a claim with their insurance company and applied for individual assistance through FEMA, they can apply for temporary housing assistance.

Here's how:

• Go to disasterrecovery.iowa.gov.
• Call 608-480-8808 or toll free at 833-307-6030. The call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.