Emergency Relief

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Emergency Relief Resources

Our southwest Iowa communities, as well as our neighbors in eastern Nebraska, are coping with heartbreaking loss and destruction caused by a series of tornadoes, storms, and flooding, which started on April 26, 2024, and continue to wreak havoc in our region.

We immediately received inquiries on how to help. This page will be a primary resource for community members impacted and who want to assist. We will be updating resources and volunteer opportunities as they become available. Please check this page often for updates.

Recovery specialists are at the disaster recovery center in Council Bluffs and Minden! The Council Bluffs center is located in the north parking lot of the Charles Lakin Human Services Campus, 815 N. 16th St. You can find the Minden disaster recovery center at the Minden fire station.

Long-Term Community Needs Assessment

As disaster survivors navigate through their recovery, difficulties with insurance or accessing assistance programs can be challenging and difficult to manage.

All disaster survivors impacted by the 2024 Severe Weather events are asked to complete a short survey in order to identify and connect those impacted with programs currently available, identify gaps, and guide the development of additional assistance programs by identifying long-term needs.

Completion of this survey is crucial to accessing assistance that may be available!

 You can also call West Central Community Action at 712-322-2621 to access the survey.

 

Other Opportunities for Assistance

State housing program applications are now open and transitional sheltering assistance is now available. Find more information on further assistance below.

Disaster Housing Flow Chart  Local Government Programs for Revenue Replacement & Infrastructure Repair

 

SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
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If you are a community member impacted by the storms in April and May, find resources and information about agencies, FEMA, and other relief here.

References for those in need

 

Donate to the emergency relief fundS



The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is here to support our southwest Iowa communities in gathering donations through the Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund. Donations to the fund will support Iowa nonprofit partners, communities, disaster relief organizations, and public health organizations who are on the front line of disaster relief efforts.
 

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Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund

 

The city of Minden, Iowa suffered catastrophic damage and loss from the April 26 tornadoes. As a response to the devastation, Minden residents created a fund this week at the Community Foundation to support efforts specifically for their community. 

The Minden Iowa Community Fund will support clean-up, rebuilding efforts, and future community betterment projects in Minden, Iowa. To support the fund with an online donation, please click here.

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Minden Community Fund

 

 

HOW CAN I HELP?
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If you are a community member looking to help, find volunteer opportunities and resources on how to assist here.

References for how you can help

Individuals, Businesses, and Nonprofit Funds Are Available
Find more information about each opportunity here


The Southwest Iowa Emergency Relief Fund will provide funding to organizations and services in Pottawattamie County that are filling basic human needs, rebuilding communities, and providing direct support to individuals and families.

Nonprofit organizations, city and county governmental organizations, and church groups that are on the frontline of relief efforts and working with the communities affected are encouraged to APPLY HERE.

The city of Minden, Iowa suffered catastrophic damage and loss from the April 26 tornadoes. As a response to the devastation, Minden residents created a fund this week at the Community Foundation to support efforts specifically for their community. 

The Minden Iowa Community Fund will support clean-up, rebuilding efforts, and future community betterment projects in Minden, Iowa. Applications for this fund can be found HERE To learn more about the process for granting, please go here.