INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s state and local agencies are working around the clock to bring in as much disaster relief as possible to Hoosiers in Randolph and Delaware Counties after devastating storms on Thursday. As emergency management teams continue to tackle the immediate needs of affected Hoosiers, long-term recovery efforts are also already well underway.
”Heart of Indiana United Way has set up a donations page, which 100% of those donations will be given to the long-term recovery committees,” said Kim Rogers-Hatfield, Director of Community Resources for the Heart of Indiana United Way
Insurance companies were also on scene in Randolph County to help those impacted get started on their claims.
”Take photos or video of that damage and that will also help the claims process,” Heather Paul with State Farm said.
This week, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law that allows the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to divvy out disaster relief without approval from the Small Business Administration. The law also increases the maximum amount an individual can receive from the state’s disaster relief fund from $10,000 to $25,000.
”Those efforts that were passed this past session will simplify and streamline getting resources to those who are impacted adversely,” Gov. Holcomb said.
However, the law goes into effect July 1, meaning Hoosiers affected by Thursday’s storms will still need to wait on the Small Business Administration approval.
”We are still in the phases of collecting that information,” said Mary Moran, Director of Emergency Management and Preparedness for the IDHS. “So, we’ll have a better handle on that answer within the next day or two.
