GARY, Ind. (WLS) — Tuesday marks three weeks since powerful storms swept across the Chicago area, leaving behind widespread damage and a long recovery for many families.
Now, FEMA has opened an on-site presence in Gary to help residents connect with disaster assistance and begin navigating the recovery process.
Northwest Indiana continues to rebuild after the August 11 storms, but the need remains especially urgent in Gary, where many neighborhoods are still dealing with the aftermath.
The city has seen some of the hardest-hit residents, including people still without electricity, displaced from their homes and, until recently, unsure where to turn for help.
On Tuesday, FEMA teams will be available in person to answer questions, review eligibility and help residents determine whether they qualify for federal storm recovery assistance.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited with people at the Red Cross Shelter in Gary. Dozens of people have been at the shelter for three weeks now.
This as FEMA teams fanned out across Northwest Indiana to help people apply for federal aid.
The agency said more than $500,000 is already in the hands of applicants, with that number expected to grow as thousands more apply for help in Northwest Indiana alone.
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While most people have their power back, many are still in the dark.
The city is now asking for people’s help as they have partnered with a contractor to begin the removal.
This as plenty of those affected by the storms are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s scary. I’m not gonna lie,” Michelle Taylor, who is displaced by the storms, said. “I’m scared. I’ve never been in been through anything like this before, so it’s it’s very scary. But I think I just think you know, just gotta stay positive and keep everybody positive with you. You know, we help each other, we inspire each other.
A FEMA team will be here in Gary at the United Steelworks Local union Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.. On Friday and Saturday they move to Munster to help people there.
FEMA representatives will be at locations across northwest Indiana throughout the week to help residents determine whether they qualify for federal assistance and to connect them with available aid.
- Tuesday, Sept. 1: Gary — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.
- Wednesday, Sept. 2: Gary — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.
- Thursday, Sept. 3: Gary — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.
- Friday, Sept. 4: Munster — 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lions Club Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Dr., Munster, IN, 46321.
- Saturday, Sept. 5: Munster — 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lions Club Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Dr., Munster, IN, 46321.
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