(DES MOINES) – Governor Terry E. Branstad today (Monday) issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Union County in response to recent severe weather. The Governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of severe weather and heavy rains on Sept. 9, 2014. In addition, the proclamation also activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Program for Union County.

The Iowa Individual Assistance Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or a maximum annual income of $39,580, for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and for the expense of temporary housing. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.

The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website http://dhs.iowa.gov/disaster-assistance-programs. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.