The Iowa Department of Education recently announced emergency assistance grants for school districts impacted by recent natural disasters.

The grants come from a fund of over $320,000 set aside for this reason. Districts eligible for Emergency Grants to Serve Student Experiencing Homelessness must be in a county that was issued a disaster emergency proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds between April 26th and June 28th of this year. Additionally, the 25 percent or more of the school community must be impacted by one of those weather proclamations, and 10 percent or more bust be displaced or facing homelessness.

Eligible districts can apply for up to $80,000 in funding for wrap-around services that support students so they can attend school and fully participate in school activities. A list of some of the allowable uses can be found in this story online. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on July 31st.

Short-term emergency housing, including motel/hotel stays.

School supplies, including school uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and any supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.

Groceries and wellness items, including clean clothing, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies.

Transportation assistance, including gas cards for the purchase of fuel.

School uniform fees, book/registration fees, activity registration fees and supplies designated for school or extracurricular activities.

The adaptation of space and purchase of supplies for any non-school facilities, including shelving for the creation of a food pantry/clothing closet, refrigeration units for a food pantry, washer and dryer units and cots for emergency shelters.

Costs for medical, dental, mental and other health services.

Costs associated with tracking, obtaining and transferring records necessary to enroll in school, including birth certificates, immunization or other required health records, academic records, guardianship records and evaluations for special programs or services.

Resources and activities to support the involvement of parents and guardians in the education of their children.

Costs associated with the coordination of schools and agencies in providing services to students facing homelessness.