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State Disaster Assistance Now Open to Kalona and Washington County Residents:
On Monday, September 28, Governor Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Washington County following the severe storms that began September 19. More than five and a half inches of rain fell in Kalona overnight, that caused some homeowners to see water inundation and at times sanitary sewer backups due to the system working above its engineered capacity. The proclamation turns on two state programs for residents: the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (IIAGP) and Disaster Case Advocacy (DCA). Both use one application, and neither cost anything to apply.
You do not need a computer to apply. Residents who have trouble with the online application, including older residents and households without reliable internet access, can apply by phone or get help in person. Details are below.
Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program | apply by Thursday, November 12, 2026
• Grants of up to $7,000 per household, which do not have to be repaid
• For households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. The income table is on the state’s website.
• Can help with home repair, replacing essential personal property, replacing lost food, and temporary housing if your home was unlivable
• Your primary residence must be in Washington County, and you must have storm expenses that insurance or other programs won’t fully cover
Disaster Case Advocacy | apply by Saturday, March 27, 2027
• No income limits. Any affected household can use it.
• You’re paired with one advocate who helps build a recovery plan, work through insurance and paperwork, and connect you with local resources
How to apply | online, by phone, or in person
• Online: homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance
• By phone: 515-675-1884. If the online form is difficult for you, or you don’t have internet access, call this number to apply or get help with your application.
• In person: The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) will help residents complete their applications at its office, 700 16th Street NE, Suite 301, Cedar Rapids. Call 319-289-0060 ahead to set up a time.
• Printed forms are available on the same site in English & Spanish
Application questions: email the state’s disaster assistance inbox listed on the site, and include your full name and the damaged property’s address
Please check on your neighbors. If you know an older neighbor, or someone without internet access, who had damage from the storm, share this information and help them make the call. We want to make sure no one who qualifies misses out because of the application process.
Tips for a successful application
1. File with your insurance first. The grant can’t pay for anything insurance or another program covers. If insurance later pays for the same items, the grant has to be repaid.
2. Document everything. Keep photos or video of the damage and proof that you owned the lost items. Keep original receipts; copies of card statements alone may not be enough.
3. Have proof of income ready. Your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) is the preferred document.
4. Know how basements are treated. Most Kalona damage was in basements. Unless the Washington County Assessor’s records show your basement as a legal living space, the state treats it as storage or recreation space. In that case, the program generally covers essential systems and primary appliances there, such as the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer. It generally does not cover finishes like flooring. If your basement is finished living space, contact the Assessor’s office for documentation before you apply. 5. Watch the follow-up deadlines. After approval, you have 10 days to submit your list of needed items and damage proof, and 14 days to submit repair estimates and receipts. You have 30 days to select eligible furnishings and appliances. Respond quickly to any request from the state.
6. Renters can apply for their own personal property. Repairs to the rental unit, or appliances owned by the landlord, are the landlord’s responsibility. What the program does not cover Fences, sheds, and outbuildings; business or farm property; boats, ATVs, and campers; damage that existed before the storm; and cosmetic repairs.
Local help
• Dumpsters for storm-damaged household items remain available at the City Shop, 711 A
Avenue.
Helpful Links
Disaster Assistance 2026 Flood Damage
2026 Printable Golf Renewal Application