If you, or your loved ones, were greatly affected by the storms in April and May 2024, please consider calling the Iowa Legal Aid hotline. The hotline can offer legal services and information. It is important that affected persons get help in a timely manner as, in some cases, the deadlines to apply for FEMA assistance are a short 60 days from declaration of disaster.

Diocesan Contact: The Rev. Holly ScherfF

The diocese of Iowa has participated in flood recovery efforts in our own state as well as in Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida in the past. We have worked with other dioceses in developing partnerships to assist each other as we encounter new natural disasters that will surely come. Opportunities to participate in recovery work include offering prayers, financial assistance and helping hands as we work together in God’s Love to lessen the pain and despair of disasters big and small. Being prepared for the next disaster will go a long way in lessening the emotional and physical stresses of such events. If you are interested in helping with this planning or jumping in to help out somewhere down the line, email Holly.

Episcopal Relief and Development can be an incredible resource for churches to support communities that have been impacted by flooding in the last month. 90-day grants are available from ERD that can help churches provide assistance to people in the community who were impacted by the disaster and are in most in need – and it is not based on membership in The Episcopal Church. The majority of grant funds should be used on direct assistance to survivors, such as, but not limited to, gift cards, cash (digital or checks), psycho-social/pastoral support and in-kind needs. Grant funds may be used to support those who decide to stay or those who wish to relocate to other communities for longer-term more sustainable recovery. Only dioceses can apply on behalf of their churches in the affected areas but we would be happy to help with that if you have ways of getting the assistance to the people most affected. Have questions or need more information? Email mwagner@iowaepiscopal.org

In partnership with the worldwide Church, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) supports local, long-term initiatives that address poverty, hunger, disease, economic development and disaster response where the need is greatest. Their programs impact the lives of over 3 million people annually. They respect the dignity of all people and view them as neighbors, working alongside participants regardless of religious affiliation or background.