Dear neighbor,
As our community continues to recover from the Aug. 11 storms. I want to take some time to thank everyone that was involved in our disaster relief efforts. I’ve heard countless stories of neighbors coming together to help one another, but I’ve also experienced that kindness firsthand.
I’m grateful for the neighbor who brought me coffee every day, knowing I was leaving early in the morning. For the neighbors who helped cut and clear tree limbs after they fell and blocked our road. And for my neighbors who volunteered and helped me with the Food Bank of NWI mobile drive and gave their time to help others in our community.
I’m especially grateful for the neighbors who came to my aid when my house flooded -not once, but twice- and helped with water removal and cleanup. And to my neighbor who checked on my generator and made sure it had gas while I was gone all day, thank you for looking out for me and my home.
I’m also grateful for my neighbor who serves as a volunteer firefighter and was out there answering emergency calls and helping our community when people needed it most. Your willingness to put yourself out there and serve others is something I deeply appreciate.
To the neighbor who stood beside me every day for countless hours-joining me in the command center and briefings throughout my district with local leaders and first responders, meeting with countless constituents to help connect them with the assistance they needed, and helping pass out tarps, water, and other supplies-you have my deepest gratitude.
You all witnessed the devastation firsthand, but you never hesitated to show up. You were there day after day as we worked to help our district and our neighbors begin to recover. These acts of kindness are what make a community strong. They remind us that when times are difficult, we don’t have to face them alone. We have neighbors who will show up, roll up their sleeves, and stand beside us when we need them most.
To all of my neighbors: thank you for showing up, lending a hand, and taking care of one another. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. I have the best neighbors in the world.
I also want to make everyone aware of a letter that the House Democratic Caucus’ Northwest Indiana Delegation sent to House Speaker Todd Huston. We are requesting that the interim study committee on Utilities hold public hearings in the affected areas of Northwest Indiana to learn first-hand how residents were affected by the loss of electric service and how NIPSCO responded. We are hopeful that Speaker Huston will hear our request, and allow the legislature to properly investigate this matter and hold NIPSCO accountable. See the full letter below:
Additional information about the federal assistance programs is anticipated in the coming days. In the meantime, individuals in Lake, LaPorte, and Porter Counties who are eligible for Individual Assistance can begin the application process through FEMA:
- Apply online: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4933
- Call FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
In addition to the federal assistance now available, Indiana residents can now get information on disaster relief resources via text. Through Indiana 211, residents can now text IN211HELP to 898-211 to get started. The 24/7 service will prompt users to select the type of assistance they need and will provide a list of disaster-specific resources based on their entered zip code.
See my previous disaster relief updates for more information and resources.
- 8/12 Update
- 8/13 Update
- 8/14 Update
- 8/17 Update
- 8/18 Update
- 8/19 Update
- 8/20 Update
- 8/21 Update
- 8/24 Update
- 8/25 Update
- 8/26 Update
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office at h12@iga.in.gov or (317) 232-9724. I’m here working for you.
In service,
Rep. Mike Andrade