Storm Recovery

Storm Recovery Services and Resources

FEMA disaster assistance is available to eligible Northwest Indiana residents affected by the Aug. 11 storm after a Major Disaster Declaration was approved for the State of Indiana.

The declaration makes federal assistance programs available to residents in Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties. More information about these programs is forthcoming, but residents can begin the FEMA application process by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or calling FEMA at 800-621-3362.

The State of Indiana has launched the August Disaster Resource Hub, which serves as a resource center for individuals seeking assistance related to Aug. 11 severe weather. Visit on.in.gov/August2026Disaster for more information.

Residents affected by the Aug. 11 severe storm are encouraged to call 211 or visit in211.org from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday to inquire about services and resources available to you.

Indiana Disaster Relief Fund

Those affected by the Aug. 11 severe storm could qualify for emergency aid grants of up to $5,000 through the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). This fund is designed to help families secure essential items like clothing and uninsured medical devices while they are displaced from their homes.

For questions about SDRF, please call the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at 317-232-2222.

Learn more at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster

United Way Storm Recovery Assistance

United Way Northwest Indiana has established an initial $500,000 in disaster relief funds to help individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Aug. 11 storm.

We know that while insurance, FEMA and other assistance may cover some costs, many families are still dealing with unexpected expenses—such as property damage, temporary housing, disrupted childcare, or missed work.

This program is designed to help bridge those financial gaps, particularly for households that were already working to make ends meet before the storms.

If you or someone you know has experienced financial hardship because of the Aug. 11 storms, visit United Way Northwest Indiana's Storm Recovery Assistance page at unitedwaynwi.org/storm-recovery-assistance and complete the eligibility application.

Applications will be reviewed based on program requirements and available funding. And if someone does not qualify, United Way will work to connect them with other resources that may be available.

Red Cross Financial Assistance

The American Red Cross is ready to help people experiencing roadblocks to recovery after the recent tornado, flooding and derecho impacted the Indiana Region.

In addition to meeting the community’s basic needs of food and shelter, Red Cross financial assistance will be available to those whose homes were severely damaged.

Red Cross financial assistance is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

Applications for financial assistance must be completed in person. For the latest information on Red Cross Service Center locations and hours, visit redcross.org/gethelp or call 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to individuals, businesses and nonprofits impacted by the August 2026 severe weather and flooding.

Deadline for physical damage application: Oct. 25, 2026
Deadline for economic injury application: May 25, 2027

Apply by visiting www.sba.gov/disaster/

Temporary house grants from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants to help eligible displaced Hoosiers transition from emergency shelters into hotels, apartments and other temporary accommodations. Hoosiers in need of temporary housing can find more information at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211. Additionally, Hoosiers can find American Red Cross shelters in impacted areas.

Curbside Debris Removal

Dyer Construction and Joe's Tree Service are handling the extensive cleanup efforts across our community. If you still have tree branches, limbs, or other storm-related debris, please move those items to the curb as soon as possible to ensure they are collected during this phase of the recovery. Our crews are making multiple passes as they travel neighborhood to neighborhood.

Thank you to our residents for your patience and cooperation as we continue making progress in Merrillville's recovery.

FEMA has compiled debris removal guidelines for property owners to help expedite the recovery process.

Donations

There is now an easy way to directly support Merrillville residents impacted by recent severe storms.

The Town of Merrillville has partnered with the Legacy Foundation to establish the Merrillville Emergency Response Fund, providing a secure way for individuals, businesses and organizations to contribute to local recovery efforts.

Donations can be made online at: https://legacyfdn.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5455

All funds collected will be used to assist residents as they recover and rebuild following the storm.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps our neighbors and strengthens our community as we continue moving forward together in The Heart of the Region.