Indiana state government is offering more help for Lake County residents more than one month after a devastating derecho hit Northwest Indiana.
Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham provided an update on recovery efforts following statewide storms in mid-August. Braun announced that Lake County will receive “one-stop shops” to help residents navigate different types of assistance.
“We’ve had them in Marion County, some in East Central Indiana,” Braun said. “Lake County, those will be in place next week. Why is it later there? Simply because they had so much damage broadly, they weren’t ready to actually handle it.”
The “one-stop shops” are meant to provide resources for people no matter what their issues are, Braun said. According to a previous news release, they provide support with federal and state assistance.
Those attending can receive help with U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency individual assistance applications, U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan information, and State Disaster Relief Fund applications. They can also receive temporary housing assistance, crisis counseling, help reviewing insurance policies and replacing documents, support with driving registrations and licenses and public health resources, including vaccination and vital records, tetanus shots and cleanup guidance.
The “one-stop shop” will be at the United Steelworkers Local 1014 location at 1301 Texas Street in Gary, Whitham said. It will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 23 through Sept. 25, and Sept. 28 through Oct. 2.
“We are very thankful for all the partners that have come in,” Whitham said, “and we have engaged with people from all over the country to help us do this as quickly as possible. (It’s been) all hands on deck.”
Whitham said the state has had a “phased approach” with its storm response and recovery efforts. In addition to other state efforts, Whitham said they’re extending hotel vouchers for those who have been displaced from their homes for another 30 days.
Both Braun and Whitham said debris cleanup is ongoing statewide. Braun said they’ve taken a statewide approach to cleanup and brought in private companies to help.
Whitham also expressed appreciation for Braun, saying he’s removed any roadblocks as they’ve come up. He also praised local first responders and colleagues from other states for their help.
“We’ve never seen an event like this in Indiana,” Whitham said. “But I know in talking to my counterparts and people that have dealt with large-scale disasters, they are extremely impressed, and they’re asking how we’re doing it.”
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