Active Disaster Declarations in Iowa

On April 6, 2026, the Governor issued a disaster declaration for Wapello County in response to severe weather that occurred on April 2, 2026, and continuing. The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program were activated. The...

Disaster Mental Health Services

Mental Health Resources for Those Affected by Disasters Disasters occur often and generally without notice.  In the blink of an eye, a person can lose their home, their personal possessions, their car, or their job.  It can take a long time and can cost a...

Education and Schools After A Disaster

Many school-age children are displaced by disasters. They have all the rights federal law gives to children who have lost housing or meet any other definition of “homeless.” Does my child count as homeless? Yes, if you lost housing and are now staying with...

Disaster Struck My Rental Property, Now What?

In a disaster, time can seem to move both too slowly for some things and too fast for others.  If you have been affected by fire, lightning strikes, tornadoes, flooding or other natural disasters in Iowa, you have some options.  If it is safe to stay in your...

Bankruptcy Issues After A Disaster

I lost everything because of a natural disaster. Will it help me to file bankruptcy? It depends on your situation. Bankruptcy is a very helpful tool, but it is important to file at the right time. Bankruptcy can help when you have property to protect and income that...

Changing Your Name in Iowa

If you would like to legally change your or your child’s name, there are certain steps you must take.  These steps vary depending on whether the name change is for an adult or a child. Name Change for Adults: There are three ways for an adult to change their...