We're on a mission to distance 10,000 Central Indiana households from poverty by 2028.
Since 2023, we've already distanced over 8,000 households.
Join in our mission by donating, advocating, or volunteering with us today.
Our hearts go out to every individual, family and community affected by the historic flooding across Central Indiana.
United Way of Central Indiana is not a direct disaster service provider; however, we have compiled resources to help you find assistance and report damage. Below you will find the agencies providing assistance, as well as other available support across our seven-county region.
SCAM ALERT
Watch for disaster scams. The American Red Cross will not come to your door asking for donations, and FEMA will not visit before you apply for assistance or ask you to pay a fee.
RECOVERY AND FINANCIAL HELP
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If you, your business, or your community was affected by the storms, report the damage and any unmet needs through Indiana 211. This helps direct state and federal resources where they are needed most.
Reporting damage through 211 does not apply you for financial assistance. Assistance programs require separate applications, listed below.
Indiana 211:
Call 211 or 866-211-9966
in211.communityos.org -
The following counties in Central Indiana qualify for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program:
Hamilton
Hancock
Marion
Morgan
Homeowners and renters with uninsured damage to a primary home, personal property loss, or other disaster-related needs can apply to FEMA directly.
Apply by October 25, 2026. If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file a claim first. FEMA cannot cover losses your insurance already pays.
Three ways to apply: online at disasterassistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362, or in person at a disaster recovery one-stop shop.
Learn more about federal and state flood assistance from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
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The following counties in Central Indiana qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance:
Hamilton
Hancock
Marion
Morgan
If you lost your job or could not work on or after August 11 because of the storms, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. This covers both employees and self-employed workers, including people whose workplace was damaged, who were injured in the disaster, or who became their household's main earner after a death.
Apply by October 27, 2026. You must file a regular unemployment claim first. If you are denied, you can then apply for DUA.
What you’ll need to apply for DUA:
your Social Security number
your last employer's name and address
recent tax forms or pay stubs showing earnings
No computer at home? WorkOne locations have access kiosks.
Apply for DUA | Read the DUA FAQ | Questions: 1-800-891-6499, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis has opened $1 million in Disaster Relief grants for homeowners affected by the August flooding. Grants help cover costs insurance does not. Funds are awarded first-come first-serve to income eligible, owner-occupied households at or below 100 percent of area median income. Renters are not eligible.
Applications are handled by participating banks, not by FHLBank directly. First Internet Bank is accepting applications now at communitydevelopment@firstib.com.
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The Indiana Department of Insurance has asked insurers to pause policy cancellations for 60 days for people directly affected by the disaster and to suspend certain late-payment penalties.
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If your property was damaged by flooding, you may qualify for reassessment and property tax relief under Indiana law. Your county assessor can explain what is available and how to file.
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FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are conducting damage assessments in affected communities. FEMA has information on federal disaster assistance, and SBA disaster loan information is available as programs are activated.
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A federal major disaster declaration for Indiana was approved on August 25, 2026, covering 21 counties including Hamilton, Hancock, Marion, and Morgan. The declaration unlocks individual assistance, unemployment support, and additional federal recovery resources. Governor Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency on August 13, followed by a federal Emergency Declaration on August 15.
Resources last updated 9/17/2026. Federal and state programs are changing as recovery continues.
Our 2025-2026 Annual Report is here. See how we're responding to urgent needs and building long-term solutions for families across Central Indiana.
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Volunpair connects people to causes they care about and helps organizations grow stronger volunteer programs.
Volunpair launched a dedicated flood relief page with volunteer signups for Indianapolis—including disaster service certification.