Storm recovery & support

Storm Recovery Resources

Shelters

Hudson Campbell
455 Massachusetts St, Gary, IN 46402
Available 24/7

Charging Stations

Gary Public Library
220 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN 46402

Gary Public Library
220 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN 46402

Other Resources & Supplies

Medical Oxygen Refill Station

The City of Gary has supplied oxygen to over 75 residents from the City of Gary and surrounding communities. As of 6pm on August 21st, that local service has concluded.

If you need an urgent refill need email: garyfire@gary.gov or Call our non emergency number at 219-660-0000 to schedule a pick up for your tank.

‍If this is an emergency please dial: 911

Laundry Service

To assist residents impacted by the recent storm,
free laundry services and complimentary soap
‍are available at the:

Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center.
455 Massachusetts St. Gary, IN
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM


Food Distribution

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Free Services

Weatherhead Assistance Program

The weatherhead repair assistance program is live! Residents can submit a request for assistance form at: https://legacyfdn.org/individual-assistance/. On this page, individuals can view full guidelines and complete the form. If someone cannot visit the website, we are accepting applications over the phone: 219-736-1880.

Brief overview:

Legacy Foundation is offering assistance to homeowners whose electrical weatherheads were damaged as a result of the recent storms. The program is designed to help homeowners complete basic electrical repairs needed to address storm-related weatherhead damage and safely restore electrical service.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Weatherhead Repair Assistance Program, applicants must:

  • Be the homeowner of a residential property located within the City of Gary.
  • Have experienced weatherhead damage as a result of the recent storm.
  • Have a weatherhead that has not already been repaired or replaced.
  • Agree to work with a participating electrician assigned through the program.

There is no household income requirement to participate. Assistance is subject to program eligibility, availability of funds, and the repair being within the program's eligible scope.

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Storm Recovery Support

Recovery Advance Program for Infrastructure Damage (RAPID)

The RAPID Program provides short-term financing, in the form of a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN or note), to Indiana communities affected by a natural disaster. The program exists to put money in a community's hands quickly, so it can begin cleanup, complete a damage assessment, and pay for the engineering and emergency work needed to plan a permanent repair or replacement of impacted public infrastructure and/or facilities (e.g., roads/sidewalks, water/sewer facilities, police/fire stations, city/town halls, park facilities, school/library buildings, etc.). RAPID operates under the IBB's existing Interim Loan Program authority.  

RAPID Program Application (XLS)

RAPID Program Guide (PDF)
Click to View Indiana Bond Bank Website
Support Storm Recovery Efforts

Emergency Financial Assistance for Derecho Storm Recovery | City of Gary Partners with CoAction and Legacy Foundation

GARY, IN — The City of Gary has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 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.     Funded through a philanthropic commitment of up to $1,000,000 provided by the Legacy Foundation—with an initial $250,000 allocation—the program allocates at least 90% of all funds directly to affected households. 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 & Eligibility Details

  • Basic Eligibility: Open to verified 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.  

Benefit Tiers:

  • $350 base benefit for standard eligible households.  
  • Up to $1,000 for households demonstrating significant documented hardship, subject to enhanced review.  

  • Fast-Track Verification: Presumptive income qualification is available for residents currently enrolled in SNAP, TANF, WIC, PY2025–26 LIHEAP, Gary Housing Authority programs, income-qualified senior/disability housing, or verified unhoused individuals.  

  • Turnaround Time: Once approved, direct payments are targeted for distribution within 24 to 48 hours.  

  • Application Window: Applications will remain open for a 30-day rapid-response period following the public launch date.  

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How to Apply

Applications will be taken over the phone only by dialing 219-794-1841. 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.
Please beware of scams. Do not call any other number.

For real-time updates and launch notifications, residents can visit gary.gov, legacyfdn.org or coaction.care.


About CoAction
CoAction (Northwest Indiana Community Action) is the designated Community Action Agency serving Northwest Indiana, empowering individuals and families toward financial stability through direct assistance, education, and community advocacy.  
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About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is Lake County’s community foundation, investing in local non-profits, providing scholarships, and coordinating philanthropic leadership to build thriving, resilient communities across Northwest Indiana.

the Greater Gary
Storm Recovery and Relief Fund

Donate to the City of Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund. Send donations to the Legacy Foundation.

For more information, call Constituent Services at (219) 881-1300.

Storm Relief Funds will be facilitated by The Legacy Foundation https://legacyfdn.org/

Support Storm Recovery Efforts

Get Involved | Ways to Help

There are many ways to support Gary’s recovery. Whether through donations, supplies, services, equipment, or volunteer support, your help can make a direct difference for Gary residents.

How Can You Help?
Public officials, businesses, nonprofits, and residents in communities outside of Gary can play an important role in helping families recover.
  • Donate to the Greater Gary Storm & Relief Fund – Financial contributions can provide the City and its community partners with flexible resources to address the most urgent needs of residents.
  • For ACH or Wire instructions, contact: Chenika Beck, City Controller at cbeck@gary.gov

  • Organize Critical Supply Drives – Communities, businesses, churches, and nonprofits can collect and ship needed supplies to:
  • Flourish Community Hub: (225 W. 5th Ave., Gary, IN 46402)
  • Priority items: Bottled water, nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, tarps, work gloves, batteries, flashlights, extension cords, hygiene products, diapers, and other household essentials.

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  • Provide Food Vouchers/Send Food Trucks– Businesses and individuals can donate grocery gift cards to help families replace food lost during prolonged power outages or provide free hot meals to Gary residents and recovery workers.  

  • Donate or Loan Tree-Removal Equipment – Contractors and businesses can provide equipment and tools to help clear trees and storm debris.

  • Provide Skilled Crews & Volunteers – Help provide qualified crews and volunteers for cleanup, repairs, supply distribution, and support for residents. Electricians and donors can help repair or replace storm-damaged electrical equipment needed to safely restore power.

  • Connect Gary to Corporate & Philanthropic Resources – Help connect Gary with organizations that can provide financial, equipment, or in-kind support.

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Help Raise Awareness:

We also ask our partners, elected officials, community leaders, and organizations to help amplify Gary’s recovery efforts. If you have a platform, please share Gary’s story, our residents’ ongoing needs, and the ways people can help. Even one social media post can help connect Gary with the resources and support our residents' needs.
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Ready-to-share message:

Gary is still recovering from the August 11 derecho, and thousands of residents continue to face the impacts of prolonged power outages. There are many ways to support Gary’s recovery, from financial contributions and critical supplies to volunteers, equipment, services, and community partnerships.
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Learn how you can help and stand with Gary: gary.gov/stormrecovery  

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Every contribution makes a difference. We thank you for your continued support as we work together to help Gary recover, rebuild, and move forward
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Gary’s recovery will require a national effort. Every contribution—whether funding, food, equipment, supplies, professional expertise, mobile services, or volunteer assistance—can help a Gary family recover more quickly. We encourage our friends and partners throughout Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, Indiana, and across the country to stand with Gary and help our residents rebuild and recover.
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If you would like to help, please email Ellis Dumas, Chief of Staff, at edumas@gary.gov.  

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the Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund

Donate to the City of Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund. Send donations to the Legacy Foundation.

For more information, call Constituent Services at
(219) 881-1300.

Storm Relief Funds will be facilitated by The Legacy Foundation https://legacyfdn.org/

DonateLearn More

Report Storm Damage & Get Help

Damage Reporting: Indiana 211

What is 211?

211 is essential for each citizen to report storm damage to assist IDHS and FEMA in unlocking and allocating resources.

Additionally, citizens in at-risk populations, elderly, disabled, veterans, or under the poverty line should report their damage as 211 can refer their needs to qualified Charitable organizations for free services- i.e. tree and debris removal, basement flooding remediation and more.

Those citizens are encouraged to call in or access the online tool at IN211.org

Call Indiana 211

Please report storm-related damage and needs by calling 211 or dialing 866-211-9966

State of Indiana Resources

Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund - $5,000

Relief funds are being distributed to those impacted by last week's destructive storms and Hoosiers can request up to $5,000 for repairs and support.

Gary 311

Gary 311 makes it easy to connect with the City of Gary and report non-emergency issues in your neighborhood. Whether it's illegal dumping yard debris removal, housing complaints, recycling bin requests, demolition inquiries, or streetlight and traffic signal concerns – we're here to serve you with fast, easy, and reliable access to city services.

Gary 311 App

Download the Gary 311 app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to submit a request.

Online: gary.gov/311

Visit Gary.gov/311 and select “Submit Request.”

Email: mocs@gary.gov

Send your request and photos directly to our team.

Phone: (219) 881-1311

Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Monday – Friday

American Red Cross

Call: 888-684-1441
‍
Visit: www.redcross.org

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

We recognize the significant impact this storm has had on our residents, neighborhoods, and community. City crews and our partners are working diligently to restore safe access, remove storm debris, and respond to critical service needs as quickly and safely as possible. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work together through the recovery process.

How do I request City services or report storm-related concerns?

Continue to use 311 to submit requests for City services and report storm-related conditions. Providing an accurate location and description will help crews document and prioritize requests.

Where should I place storm debris?

Place storm-related debris curbside for collection, including tree limbs, branches, vegetative debris, and materials dislodged from homes or structures during the storm, such as shingles, siding, gutters, and similar materials. Keep debris safely contained where possible and away from streets, driveways, sidewalks, storm drains, fire hydrants, utility equipment, and downed power lines.

Where can residents take trees and vegetation?

North Gleason Park in Gary has been designated the residential tree drop-off location. 301 W. 30th Avenue

Where should I NOT place storm debris?

Do not place debris where it blocks streets, traffic lanes, driveways, sidewalks, alleys, storm drains, fire hydrants, or other public rights-of-way.

What if a tree on private property creates an emergency?

Property owners are generally responsible for trees located on private property. However, where a tree creates an immediate emergency, threatens public safety, or obstructs the public right-of-way, residents should report the condition. The City will assess the situation and assist where possible and appropriate.

What should I do if there are downed electrical lines near my property or storm debris?

Stay away from all downed or low-hanging electrical lines. Do not touch, move, drive over, or place debris near electrical lines or utility equipment. Treat every downed line as energized and dangerous and report it to the appropriate utility or emergency authorities.

What should I do if my basement is flooded?

Report flooded basements directly to the Gary Sanitary District (GSD) for appropriate response and documentation.

How should I report traffic signal or streetlight outages?

Report traffic signal and streetlight outages to 311 so affected locations can be documented, assessed, and prioritized for repair.

Is trash and recycling collection continuing?

Yes. Trash and recycling collection remains ongoing. Some routes may experience delays because of blocked or inaccessible roadways. Residents should continue placing carts out according to their regular collection schedule.

How long will storm recovery take?

The storm has created significant impacts throughout the city. Crews are prioritizing public safety, roadway access, emergency conditions, and restoration of essential services.  We ask residents to remain patient, use 311 to help us document service needs, and allow crews room to work safely.

For More Information

Please contact Constituent Services at (219) 881-1300.

Call Us