Gary launches financial assistance to residents for storm relief

Contributed By: The 411 News

The City of Gary has entered into an agreement with CoAction and the Legacy Foundation to establish the City of Gary Derecho Emergency Household Assistance Program.

The initiative provides rapid-response direct financial relief to Gary residents impacted by the severe August 11, 2026 derecho and subsequent prolonged power outages.

CoAction (Northwest Indiana Community Action) will administer the program, reviewing applications, issuing payments, and connecting families to broader recovery services, including food replacement, utility help, and housing stabilization.

Assistance is open to City of Gary residents whose households suffered direct impacts—such as food loss, lost wages, medical supply losses, temporary displacement, or transportation expenses—from the August 11 storm and outages. Priority is given to households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Residents currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, WIC, 2025–26 LIHEAP, Gary Housing Authority programs, income-qualified senior/disability housing, or verified unhoused individuals who suffered the losses should apply.

Financial assistance ranges from $350 to $1,000 per household. Once approved, direct payments are targeted for distribution within 24 to 48 hours.

Applications will be taken over the phone only by dialing CoAction at (219) 794-1841 during the hours of 8:30am to 5pm. CoAction is closed Labor Day. Please note this is the only phone number to call to apply.

During the phone application process, CoAction will collect each applicant’s contact information. Applicants will also receive information regarding the check pickup location and timing as part of the application process.

Applications will remain open for a 30-day rapid-response period following the public launch date of September 4, 2026.

Story Posted:09/04/2026