Around 5 million remain under flood watches in the Midwest, while hundreds of thousands are still without power following tornadoes in Northwest Indiana.
Heavy flooding and multiple tornadoes caused massive damage various portions of Indiana last week, resulting in both state and federal disasters being declared. As a result, members of The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion (SAL) impacted by either may be eligible through assistance through the Legion’s National Emergency Fund (NEF).
And while 5 millions people remain under flood watches in the Midwest, that number could grow with another round of storms that were expected to move into Illinois and West Virginia overnight into Monday.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has declared a statewide emergency, while President Trump has approved an emergency declaration for multiple counties in Indiana, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Indiana to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts.
Through Trump’s approval, federal assistance is available to residents of Allen, Bartholomew, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Jasper, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Knox, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Morgan, Newton, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Shelby, St. Joseph, Starke, Tipton, Union, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne and White counties.
Grants of up to $3,000 for Legionnaires and SAL members, and $10,000 for Legion posts are available through the NEF. Individuals must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage from a declared natural disaster. Post grants must derive from a declared natural disaster causing damage to the post building and restricting use of the facility for programs.
NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that is not covered. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. If the home is rented, renters insurance paperwork should be provided, if any.
For American Legion posts, the only things covered are for post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the four pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached.
NEF grants are not meant to replace or repair items, only to meet the most immediate needs (i.e., temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster. They also do not cover insurance compensation or monetary losses from a business, structures on your property (barns, tool sheds, etc.,) equipment or vehicles.
To request NEF assistance, click here. To donate to the National Emergency Fund, click here.
- Emergency