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Posted August 9, 2024
Posted by Public Relations
Pottawattamie County, Iowa- Over the last several months, local, state, and federal agencies have provided assistance for disaster survivors in Pottawattamie County. As deadlines approach for residents to utilize some of the associated programs, Pottawattamie County is announcing an outdoor event that can help those in need, while offering some much-needed fun and relaxation.
The free event, tabbed the ‘Recovery Cookout’, will take place in Minden on Saturday, August 17th, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. All county residents impacted by the 2024 natural disasters are welcome to attend.
“There are two primary objectives for hosting this cookout,” said Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Director Doug Reed. “We want to continue to connect disaster survivors to the resources available to them, and we also saw an opportunity to provide a calming distraction for what’s been a tough stretch for many of our residents. We hope to accomplish both with this event.”
Food, live music, and children’s activities will all be a part of the family fun. Representatives from Pottawattamie County Emergency Management, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, FEMA, and other local and state agencies are also expected to be on-hand to answer questions and help disaster survivors.
“Some of the state and federal programs that have been offered to help survivors in our county have deadlines that are fast approaching,” said Reed. “We want to inform residents of the programs available, help them apply for assistance, and let people know that even some state or local assistance is contingent on a resident applying for federal assistance, first. We’re doing everything we can to help and inform.”
Several agencies have partnered to make this event possible. The City of Minden will host the cookout, sponsored by Midstates Bank, the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, and Pottawattamie County Emergency Management. Food will be provided by the Rapid Relief Team of Council Bluffs. Live entertainment will be provided by Vanitii Productions, featuring Cindy Lou & the Who Who Done Its. Family games and activities will be provided by ISU Extension Services, 712 Initiative, and Habitat for Humanity.
All activities will take place near the town square in Minden.
Iowans affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding of April 26-27 and May 20-31 have until August 23, 2024 to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance.
Iowa homeowners and renters affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Adair, Adams, Cedar, Clarke, Harrison, Jasper, Mills, Montgomery, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Story and Union counties may apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance until August 23, 2024.
How to Apply with FEMA
Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service. For an accessible video on three ways to apply for FEMA assistance, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).
