FEMA establishing disaster recovery centers in northwest Indiana | See locations

CROWN POINT, Ind. (WLS) -- Nearly three weeks after a storm caused widespread flooding and damage across northwest Indiana, many residents remain without fully repaired homes as they seek financial assistance and recovery support.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery center in Lake County, one of several locations planned across northwest Indiana over the coming week. The centers are intended to help residents apply for disaster assistance and navigate the recovery process.

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For many residents, the wait for help has been frustrating.

Jacqueline Boyd of Merrillville said her basement remains flooded nearly three weeks after the storm.

"Some have lost their homes; mine is still standing. But, like I say, you can swim in the basement," Boyd said.

Boyd said she has also been unable to get help through her insurance provider.

"They're not doing anything because they say, 'you don't have that in your plan.' So you come here, and sit, and wait, and pray within and you hope that someone will have compassion on people," she said.

Similar challenges remain for residents in Gary. Marla Walls said she is still without electricity because of damage to electrical equipment on her property. She said NIPSCO has told her repairs must be completed before power can be restored.

"A nightmare, it's more than a nightmare. I can't believe it. It's still wires still down in the backyard, and the tree fell and pulled the box away from the house. So I have no electricity," Walls said.

FEMA officials are encouraging residents to apply for disaster assistance online when possible. For those who cannot, staff at the temporary recovery centers will provide in-person assistance with applications and other recovery needs.

Nicole Wilson, a FEMA spokesperson, said residents living in damaged, flooded or powerless homes should seek assistance immediately.

"We have funds that can help you stay in a hotel, secure a room, at least get temporary lodging so you're not trying to live in a home that has no power and with a flooded basement that may be growing mold," Wilson said.

FEMA said it will continue working with the state of Indiana through at least next week at disaster recovery centers across northwest Indiana. Agency officials said they will assess future assistance needs after the coming week and determine how long the centers should remain open.

The center will move locations. A list of locations is below:

• Friday, Aug. 28: Crown Point -- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lake County Purdue Extension 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN, 46307.


• Saturday, Aug. 29: Hobart -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hobart Fire Station #2 2411 W. Ridge Rd., Hobart, IN, 46342.


• Sunday, Aug 30.: Hobart -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hobart Fire Staation #2 2411 W.Ridge Rd., Hobart, IN, 46342.


• Monday, Aug. 31: Crown Point -- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lake County Purdue Extension, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN, 46307.


• Tuesday, Sept. 1: Gary -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.


• Wednesday, Sept. 2: Gary -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.


• Thursday, Sept. 3: Gary -- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., United Steelworkers Local, 1014 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN, 46402.


• Friday, Sept. 4: Munster -- 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lions Club Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Dr., Munster, IN, 46321.


• Saturday, Sept. 5: Munster -- 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lions Club Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Dr., Munster, IN, 46321.