DCA is a supportive program involving a partnership between a disaster-impacted household and a disaster case advocate. Disaster case advocates walk beside households through the disaster recovery process. They serve as a primary point of contact assisting households in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the household’s complex disaster recovery needs. In this partnership, advocates and households assess the family’s disaster-related unmet needs, build a recovery plan, and access available resources.
Advocates can support you with:
- Navigating FEMA, Insurance, SBA and other processes
- Applying for programs and assistance
- Identifying and accessing new resources
- Developing a home repair or rebuild plan
- Creating an unique recovery plan with steps to reach your recovery goals
- And more, based on your disaster-related needs
Residents can apply for and learn more about the program.
Additional Ways to Reach a Disaster Case Advocate
- Apply online at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance, DCA Online Form
- Call - 515-675-1884
- Email DisasterCaseAdvocacy@iowa.gov
For federally declared disasters in April, May, and June the following applies:
Eligible Households
- No income restrictions
- Household’s primary and occupied residence is in the county indicated in the disaster proclamation
- Household has disaster related needs that represent a burden that the family is unable to resolve
Benefits
- No cost
- Single point of contact to connect with resources
- Advocate for the household’s needs, removing barriers to recovery
- Household plays a lead role in their disaster recovery
State of Iowa Disaster Recovery Centers
HSEM has opened Long-term Disaster Recovery Centers (LT-DRC) that are open to any resident impacted by the disasters who need assistance navigating the recovery process, has a question about their FEMA or SBA status, needs assistance with their federal assistance applications, needs to file an appeal on a denied federal application, or needs ongoing assistance with unmet needs. Survivors are encouraged to visit the LT-DRC during its hours of operation.
Locations:
Clay County
Spencer City Hall
101 W 5th St, Spencer, IA 51301
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Sioux County
Hawarden City Hall
1150 Central Ave, Hawarden, IA 51023
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 4:30 PM