Hamilton County connects flood victims with housing

Residents urged to register with 211 as recovery efforts move forward

Hamilton County officials met Sunday, Aug. 23, with residents displaced by flooding to outline the growing number of resources available for temporary housing, home cleanup, and long-term recovery.

The meeting, held at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Noblesville, brought together officials from Hamilton County’s Emergency Management Agency and representatives from Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

One of the most immediate priorities is getting displaced residents into safe housing. Hamilton County will continue paying for hotel rooms for residents currently receiving assistance until state-funded housing vouchers become available. Those vouchers are expected to provide up to $150 per day toward a hotel or rental property for at least six months.

Residents who need temporary housing must register with Indiana 211 and mark the “temporary housing” box on the questionnaire. Those who have already registered should make sure they indicated that housing assistance is needed. Disaster-response teams will use that information to contact eligible households as resources become available.

Teams from Southern Baptist Disaster Relief are also expected in Hamilton County Monday and Tuesday to begin “mucking out” flooded homes at no cost to homeowners. Crews can remove damaged materials, including drywall. They are also equipped to perform mold remediation.

“It’s critical that those who suffered severe water damage, not stay in their homes,” said Jane Crady, Coordinator of Disaster Preparedness and Response for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Indianapolis. “I’ve been doing this work for more than 20 years and I’ve seen people die from mold. If your home was flooded, go to a hotel and call us for help.”

As Hamilton County moves into long-term recovery, disaster case managers will be assigned to affected households to help residents navigate paperwork, identify available assistance, and work through the rebuilding process over the months ahead.

Hamilton County is still awaiting a federal disaster designation from FEMA. State officials are working to expedite that process, but officials cautioned residents that federal declarations can take time. Local officials are hopeful Hamilton County will know more within the next week or two.

The response comes as communities across Indiana are dealing with widespread damage from flooding and severe storms. Officials said 54 Indiana counties are currently dealing with disasters, and more than 20,000 people have registered for assistance through 211.

For immediate housing needs and disaster assistance, residents should call 211 or call Hamilton County’s 24/7 flood hotline at (317) 645-3261. Residents can also register online at in211.communityos.org.