Hoosiers impacted by severe weather and flooding in August are urged to apply for federal aid before an October 25 deadline, as approximately 200 residents remain in Indiana’s emergency shelter program. Gov. Mike Braun announced Tuesday that the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will now lead a transition for these displaced residents from state-funded hotel stays to more stable rental housing and other long-term arrangements. This initiative follows a federal major disaster declaration approved in August, which made individual assistance available to residents across 21 counties.
Jonathan Whitham, the department’s executive director, identified the approximately 200 individuals still relying on the state’s emergency shelter program as the immediate priority. Officials do not yet know the total number of other displaced residents who have not sought assistance. At its peak, about 360 households utilized vouchers for temporary shelter after the August storms.
The state’s disaster services contractor, Tidal Basin, has initiated contact with survivors to assess their specific housing needs and to inform them about available state and federal assistance. Whitham noted that each survivor’s situation is unique, requiring tailored solutions from both state and federal programs. He also expressed concern that some individuals might still be living in precarious conditions, such as tents or cars, on their damaged properties. Whitham encouraged all affected residents to apply for assistance even if they do not require immediate help, anticipating that colder weather could make current living arrangements untenable.
FEMA rental assistance offers a critical resource, capable of helping eligible residents whose homes are uninhabitable cover rent for up to 18 months while repairs are underway. Darryl Dragoo, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer, clarified that continued assistance from the agency involves monthly engagement. Governor Braun’s office also indicated that the state is actively pursuing additional FEMA support, potentially including assistance for home repairs or direct housing for families whose needs cannot be met through existing rental options.
Dragoo specifically urged residents who either lack insurance or whose policies do not cover their losses to register with FEMA. He stated, “Please, register with FEMA. That is the most direct way we can help you.”
More than 60,000 Hoosiers have already applied for FEMA assistance, with roughly 34,000 having received aid. Federal assistance provided to date has exceeded $142 million, complemented by over $32 million disbursed from the state’s disaster relief fund. In a separate recovery effort, Governor Braun also reported that a statewide debris removal initiative has successfully cleared 80,000 cubic yards of debris across more than 30 communities.
