Saturday, September 5, 2026

Daily Update on Federal Disaster Response in Northwest Indiana

As we continue in the storm recovery, I want to share information below on disaster assistance currently available from the American Red Cross.

According to the American Red Cross, they are working to support our community’s basic needs of food and shelter, and financial assistance will be available to those who have qualifying damage.

To be eligible for Red Cross damage-based financial assistance, households must apply for the program and meet the following three requirements.

Pre-disaster primary residence (renter or homeowner) in a confirmed disaster-impacted geographic area.
Head of household provides proof of identity and residence.
Primary residence was destroyed or suffered significant structural damage that requires extensive repairs.

They also have an in-person service site available today - Saturday, September 5 - at the Lake Station Library - 2007 Central Avenue, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

And starting Monday, September 7 - at the American Red Cross Merrillville Office - 791 East 83rd Avenue, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For additional information, please visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/tornado-relief/2026-NW-IN-tornadoes-financial-assistance.html

As always, if you or someone you know is having any difficulty recovering from the storms or needs help navigating available resources, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 219-795-1844 or visit mrvan.house.gov.