Emergency Home Repair Help in Tippecanoe County

Last Updated: August 2026

If storm, flood or other disaster damage has left your home unsafe or in need of urgent repairs, there may be programs that can help. Assistance can vary depending on the type of damage, your income, insurance coverage and whether the damage is connected to a declared disaster.

Quick Answer

If your home needs emergency repairs after a storm or flood:

Document the damage with photos and video.
Contact your insurance company if you have applicable coverage.
Make temporary repairs only when needed to prevent additional damage and when they can be done safely.
Save all receipts and estimates.
Check local, state and federal programs for repair assistance.

For help locating programs currently available in Tippecanoe County, dial 211 or search Indiana 211.

→ Find Help Through Indiana 211

For disaster-related questions, contact the Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) at 765-742-1334.

→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

What Counts as an Emergency Home Repair?

Emergency repairs generally involve problems that make a home unsafe, unlivable or vulnerable to additional serious damage.

Examples may include:

Major roof damage or leaks
Structural damage
Broken windows or exterior doors
Unsafe electrical systems
Plumbing or water system damage
Heating or cooling problems during dangerous temperatures
Flood-damaged flooring, walls or utilities
Damage that leaves the home exposed to weather
Accessibility problems caused by disaster damage

The type of help available will depend on the program and your circumstances.

Start With Your Insurance Company

If you have homeowners, flood or other insurance that may cover the damage, contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Before making permanent repairs:

Take photos and video
Make a list of damaged areas and belongings
Ask the insurer whether an inspection is needed
Keep contractor estimates
Save receipts for emergency work and materials

If temporary repairs are necessary to prevent additional damage, photograph the area before and after the repair and keep the receipts.

For help with insurance questions or complaints:

→ Indiana Department of Insurance – Consumer Services

Indiana Disaster Repair Assistance

When a qualifying disaster occurs, Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund may provide Individual Assistance for eligible uninsured or underinsured losses.

Depending on the disaster and eligibility requirements, assistance may help with repairing, replacing or restoring damaged residential property.

Programs are opened for specific disasters and eligible counties, so assistance available for one storm may not apply to another.

→ Check Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund

→ Check Indiana Disaster Declarations

FEMA Home Repair Assistance

If FEMA Individual Assistance is approved for Tippecanoe County following a federal disaster, eligible homeowners may be able to receive assistance for certain repairs needed to make a primary residence safe and functional.

FEMA assistance isn’t intended to return a home to its condition before the disaster or pay for every improvement or repair.

Availability depends on the specific federal disaster declaration.

→ Check FEMA Disaster Assistance

→ Search FEMA Disaster Declarations

USDA Rural Home Repair Assistance

Some homeowners outside Lafayette and West Lafayette may qualify for federal rural housing repair assistance through the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program.

The program provides loans to eligible very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes. Grants may be available to qualifying homeowners age 62 or older to remove health and safety hazards.

Location, income and other eligibility requirements apply.

→ USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

→ Check USDA Property Eligibility

Local Home Repair Assistance

Home repair programs can change depending on available funding.

Tippecanoe County residents can use Indiana 211 to search for organizations currently offering:

Emergency home repairs
Weatherization
Accessibility modifications
Roof repairs
Plumbing or electrical assistance
Disaster recovery
Volunteer repair programs
Housing assistance

→ Search Indiana 211

You can also dial 211 to speak with a community resource specialist.

Weatherization Assistance

If your home needs energy-related improvements, Indiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program may help eligible low-income households with improvements that make a home safer and more energy efficient.

Weatherization isn’t specifically a disaster-repair program, but it may be useful for qualifying households that have additional home repair or energy-related needs.

→ Indiana Weatherization Assistance Program

If Your Home Is Unsafe to Stay In

Don’t remain in a home that has serious structural, electrical, gas or other safety hazards.

If you need temporary shelter or housing after a disaster, Indiana 211 can help locate available resources.

→ Indiana 211

The American Red Cross may also provide shelter or other assistance following qualifying disasters.

→ Find an Open Red Cross Shelter

For an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.

Be Careful When Hiring Contractors

After severe storms, homeowners may receive unsolicited offers for roofing, tree removal and home repairs.

Before hiring someone:

Get a written estimate
Ask exactly what work is included
Verify the business and contact information
Get more than one estimate for major work when possible
Avoid paying the entire amount upfront
Don’t feel pressured to sign immediately
Keep copies of contracts, invoices and receipts

You can search businesses registered with the State of Indiana:

→ Indiana INBiz Business Search

For consumer complaints or information about scams:

→ Indiana Attorney General – Consumer Protection

Local Tip

Don’t assume you have to pay for every repair before asking for help.

If the damage is disaster-related, document it first and check your insurance and available assistance programs before committing to major repairs whenever possible.

For help determining what disaster resources may be available locally, contact TEMA at 765-742-1334 or dial 211.

Storm Damage Help
Find information about storm damage reporting, insurance, fallen trees and repairs.
→ Storm Damage Help

Flood Damage Help
Find safety, cleanup and recovery information after flooding.
→ Flood Damage Help

Disaster Relief & Financial Assistance
Find Indiana disaster assistance, FEMA information and other possible financial help.
→ Disaster Relief & Financial Assistance

Report Storm & Flood Damage
Learn where to report property damage in Tippecanoe County.
→ Report Storm & Flood Damage

Official Resources

Indiana 211
Search for emergency home repair, housing and disaster assistance programs.
→ Indiana 211

Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)
Local emergency management and disaster recovery information.
Phone: 765-742-1334
→ Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency

Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund
Check eligibility and current disaster assistance availability.
→ Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund

FEMA Disaster Assistance
Check federal disaster assistance availability and apply when eligible.
→ DisasterAssistance.gov

USDA Rural Development
Home repair loans and grants for qualifying rural homeowners.
→ USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants

Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority
Information about Indiana’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
→ Indiana Weatherization Assistance

Summary

If your Tippecanoe County home needs urgent repairs after a storm, flood or other disaster, document the damage, contact your insurance company if applicable and keep estimates and receipts for all work.

Depending on your circumstances, help may be available through Indiana disaster assistance, FEMA, USDA rural housing programs, Indiana 211 or other local organizations.

If your home is unsafe to occupy, prioritize finding a safe place to stay before beginning repairs.

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY HELP PAGES