How to find and give flood relief in Indiana
Aug 17, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) -- Housing is perhaps one of the greatest needs following flooding that hit historic crests on some Hoosier rivers.The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants
to help eligible displaced Hoosiers transition from emergency shelters into hotels, apartments and other temporary accommodations. Hoosiers in need of temporary housing can find more information at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211.Indianapolis sheltersThe American Red Cross was providing shelters as of Monday afternoon. In Indianapolis, residents without pets can go to the American Red Cross shelter at the Washington Township Schools Services Center, 8401 Westfield Blvd.Residents with pets were initially directed during the weekend to Broad Ripple Park Family Center, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave., but the city government announced Saturday night that it was to be closed. So, the new shelter for residents with pets was opened at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Noble Shelter, 2406 N. Tibbs Ave. That shelter remained open Monday.Displaced people in Hamilton CountyHamilton County residents displaced by flooding can call 3176453261 to get help with shelter, food, financial support, and other resources. They can also visit the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, Hall A, through 8 p.m. Monday at 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville, for in-person assistance.Red Cross sheltersPets are accepted at all of these Red Cross shelters in Indiana. Anderson (Madison County): Park Place Church of God, 501 College Drive; Rangeline Community Center, off North Rangeline Road (aka Madison County Road 200 East) south of East Cross Street (200 North); and Salvation Army, 1615 Meridian St. Laurel (Franklin County): Laurel Community Center, 218 N. Clay St. Lawrenceburg (Dearborn County): Community Fellowship Church, 505 Bielby Road. Martinsville: Morgan County Fairgrounds, 1749 Hospital Drive. Muncie (Delaware County): Community of Hope Church, 1968 W. Main St. New Castle (Henry County): Henry Township Trustee and Community Center, 201 S. 21st St. Noblesville (Hamilton County): A community center on Hiawatha Drive in the Riverwood addition along the White River near Noblesville. Richmond: Wayne County Fairgrounds, 861 N. Salisbury Road North.Indianapolis flood responseText updates: Indianapolis officials have asked people who want to receive text updates on the flood response to text INDYFLOOD26 to 67283.Dumpsters: On Monday, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works said it would place roll-off dumpsters in the Ravenswood neighborhood and the town of Rocky Ripple. Once in place, these dumpsters will be available to residents 24 hours a day. They should only be used for the disposal of flood debris, including branches and other tree debris. Dumpsters at these locations will be emptied regularly, Public Works said: Rocky Ripple: Hohlt Park, 840 W. 53rd St.; and Town Hall, 930 W. 54th St. Ravenswood: Riverwood Park, 7200 N. Crittenden Ave.Well water: Marion County Public Health Department said floodwaters can impact private wells. If the wellhead for a home was fully or partially submerged by floodwater, the well should be disinfected and tested before use to ensure the water is safe. Free well water testing for Marion County residents and guidance on well disinfection is available from the department by calling 317-221-2266. It's open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.How to help: The Indianapolis Foundation is collecting cash donations for flood relief and directing potential volunteers. Details are on its website.Hamilton County: How to help and stay informed Replacing lost birth and immunization records; getting tetanus vaccinations; assuring safety of private water wells: For questions or assistance, contact the Hamilton County Health Department at 317-776-8500. It's open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Help for Fishers residents: 317-595-3211. Road closures: View the latest updates on the Hamilton County website. Volunteer: Sign up to help through Serve Village. Donate cash: Contributions can be made to the Hamilton County Relief Fund (select Hamilton County Relief Fund after clicking next). Donate items: Physical items can be donated to the Good Samaritan Network.Other state assistanceDamage reports: The state is collecting damage reports at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211. The information will be analyzed to prioritize assessments and determine recovery needs.Emergency aid: Indianas State Disaster Relief Fund will provide up to $5,000 in emergency aid grants to Hoosiers in need. This fund will enable families to get clothing, food and other basics while they are displaced. Hoosiers should call 211 for more information.Food stamp recipients who lost goods: Republican Gov. Mike Braun has activated emergency benefit replacements for eligible recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. Recipients must have lost food due to the storm or power outages. Affected Hoosiers will need to submit an affidavit for replacement benefits. The affidavit must be submitted within 10 days of the event, and the type of loss -- power outage, flood, etc. -- must be verified. The document may be uploaded to the Family and Social Services Administration benefits portal, faxed to 888-436-9199, or dropped off at any Division of Family Resources office.Beware of shady contractors: Last week, the Indiana Attorney General's Office warned Hoosiers to beware of fraudulent storm contractors.Insurance issues: State officials on Monday asked insurance companies to pause policy cancellations and late fees for 60 days to help residents who have storm damage. The Indiana Department of Insurance was also working with the attorney general to help people understand their coverage and avoid scams.
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