Disaster Case Advocacy (DCA)

Family meeting with a professional.

Topics:

Assistance Programs

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.

Residents can apply for and learn more about the program by visiting: https://homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance 

 

Additional Ways to Reach a Disaster Case Advocate

DCA - What to Do. Request a disaster case advocate. Partner to assess your disaster-related unmet needs. Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan. Connect with resources and accomplish the plan goals.

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 operations. 

Locations:

Clay County
Spencer City Hall
101 W 5th St, Spencer, IA 51301

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

Pottawattamie County *
County Emergency Management Agency
205 S Main St, Council Bluffs, IA

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM

*In-person FEMA assistance by appointment only. Survivors who would like to make an appointment with FEMA staff at the Pottawattamie LT-DRC can call 816-283-7529.  Survivors should leave their full name,  FEMA registration ID number, and a good phone number for us to return their call.

Sioux County
Rock Valley Shelter House
1013 13th Ave Rock Valley, IA 51247

Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM