Late last week, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Marshalltown Mayor, Joel Greer, announced a new program that will provide some temporary minor home repairs to eligible residents who were impacted by the July tornado. Voluntary Agencies Leading and Organizing Repairs, known as VALOR, uses funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a partnership with local volunteer agencies. The goal is to help people return to or remain in in their home by completing repairs to bring the residence back to a safe, secure, accessible and habitable status. “Iowa is the first state in the continental United States to offer the VALOR Program as part of its disaster recovery efforts,” says Gov. Reynolds. “This program is an example of innovative thinking meeting the Iowa ideal of neighbor helping neighbor.” To be eligible, properties must be owner occupied or under contract for purchase and have sustained damage as a result of the July 19 tornado. Marshalltown officials estimate approximately 400 homes may be eligible to receive assistance. Repairs include weatherproofing, securing windows and doors, repairing damaged roofs, removing mold and mildew and providing safe access to a home with stairs or a ramp. There is a $5,000 limit for supplies and equipment per residential structure.
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