Porter County Emergency Management Agency

09/05/2026

IMPORTANT STATE DISASTER RELIEF FUND UPDATE:

Due to the high volume of applicants, IDHS has enlisted the help of a vendor, Bright Harbor, to process these applications. If an applicant receives an email from IDHS ([email protected]) or [email protected], please follow the instructions.

IDHS sent an email to applicants on Wednesday, Sept. 2, asking for more information after an initial assessment of their application was complete:
• Proof of identity
• Proof of ownership (renter or homeowner)
• Payment information

(If you did not receive this and think you should have, please check your spam/junk folder)

Completing the application includes providing payment information: either direct deposit or an address for a physical check.

If an applicant chooses direct deposit, bank account details must be verified by either connecting the account (fastest) or via manual entry.

If an applicant chooses manual entry, they will need to enter their routing number, account number and account type. Two very small deposits will arrive in 1-2 business days to verify the account. These credits and debits will be originated from Bright Harbor Recovery, Inc., which may show on statements at “Bright Harbor Re.” Bank statements may also show “ACCTVERIFY” in the statement description of these transactions. The applicant will need to return to the portal and enter this information for the verification step to be complete.

Providing these details is not a guarantee that the grant will be awarded but will complete the application for final review.

If you have any questions about your application, please email [email protected].

To apply for SDRF, or complete the application, visit https://app.brightharbor.com/signup/indiana-sdrf-june-august-2026.

To find more resources for the August 2026 disaster, visit on.in.gov/August2026Disaster.

09/02/2026

🚨 STORM ASSISTANCE ONE-STOP-SHOP 🚨
Were you affected by the August 11 severe storm? Help is available!
The Porter County Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, is bringing multiple local, state, and federal agencies together in one convenient location to help residents and businesses affected by storm damage.
💬 Get answers. Learn about available assistance. And, for some programs, complete initial registration for assistance you may be eligible to receive.
📍 Woodland Park – Sycamore Room
2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage
📅 September 9–12
🕘 Wed.–Fri.: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
🕘 Sat.: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Representatives will be available from agencies including IDHS, FEMA, Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Housing Department, Indiana Department of Insurance, BMV, and more.
👉 If you experienced storm-related damage, stop by to learn about available resources and assistance—and get help taking the first steps toward applying.
Please share to help reach others impacted by the storm.

08/25/2026

In response to the devastating storms that recently struck Northwest Indiana and the urgent and ongoing needs of many of our community members, the Porter County Emergency Response Fund has been activated to provide support to our frontline nonprofit organizations and the people they serve.

We are currently accepting applications from nonprofit organizations providing assistance to Porter County residents and organizations directly impacted.

The Porter County Emergency Response Grants are available through the generosity of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation and donors to the Porter County Emergency Response Fund.

If you would like to support local recovery efforts, visit pccf.gives/emergencyresponse.

Nonprofit organizations can learn more about this opportunity and apply at pccf.gives/nonprofits.

08/20/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION reference insurance cancelations due to the storm... Please see Indiana Department of Homeland Security's post for further details.

On Aug. 17, Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Holly Lambert issued a bulletin due to the recent severe weather calling for a 60-day moratorium for cancellation of any insurance policy in effect for any policyholder directly affected by the disaster events residing within the State of Indiana, and a suspension of any penalty attached to the late payment therein.

This moratorium took effect on Aug. 17, but the Indiana Department of Insurance expects insurers to apply this moratorium retroactively to the day before the disaster occurred in Indiana.

View the full moratorium athttps://www.in.gov/idoi/files/2026.08.17%20Bulletin%20280%20Signed.pdf

08/19/2026

Storm-impacted Hoosiers shouldn't have to worry about dropped insurance coverage. I'm asking ALL insurance companies to put a temporary stop on policy cancellations and late fees.

Hoosiers whose lives have been turned upside down by these storms should not have to worry about their insurance being canceled while they're trying to get back on their feet.

08/18/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding SNAP benefits and loss of food from the recent storm. Please read the post from Indiana Department of Homeland Security .

Apply for SNAP Benefits Learn more here SNAP benefit fraud by card skimming, card cloning and other similar methods Click here to learn more Bureau of Program Integrity Quality Control Click here to learn more Ready to explore a new career? Click here to begin Connect with Indiana 211 for help and a...

08/18/2026

INFORMATION for those needing assistance resouces...

IDHS' August Disaster Resource Hub is now available. The hub serves as a comprehensive resource center for individuals seeking state and federal assistance and updates related to the severe weather events that began on Aug. 11.

The hub also includes the application for the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), specifically for Aug. 11 events. Impacted Hoosiers may qualify for emergency aid grants of up to $5,000. This fund is designed to help families secure essential items like clothing and uninsured medical devices while they are displaced from their homes.

Learn more: on.in.gov/August2026Disaster

08/17/2026

INFORMATION….

Indiana is leading efforts to protect lives, public health, safety and property in 53 counties affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

President Donald J. Trump has approved an emergency declaration authorizing FEMA to support the state with resources to save lives and protect infrastructure.

While this declaration does not mean residents can apply directly with FEMA, we will continue coordinating with the state as they assess damage and their needs for additional federal assistance.

Read more: fema.gov/press-release/20260816/president-donald-j-trump-approves-emergency-declaration-indiana

08/17/2026

UPDATE from Strack & Van Til on their meal distribution program.