Rep. Houchin visits Metamora, offers resources to flood victims

(METAMORA, Ind.) – U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-District 9) spent Thursday in Metamora viewing the flood damage and speaking with business owners and residents who've been impacted.

Rep. Houchin said the timing of her visit was to gain a better understanding of the long-term impacts and to also connect people with available resources.

“If you’re just walking down Main Street, you may not notice the full extent of damage. It’s widespread and every business and homeowner is affected differently,” Rep. Houchin explained. 

Alan Stenger serves as president of the ‘I Love Metamora’ nonprofit and he took Rep. Houchin into some of the affected homes and businesses.

One of the businesses they visited was Moon Lit Pages in Duck Creek Crossing. 

The bookstore opened in December and new flooring had just been installed earlier this summer. 

While nearly all the books were saved, the business did lose their brand-new bookshelves, the flooring was damaged, and they may be forced to gut the interior due to humidity issues from the water.

Rep. Houchin also stopped by Mr. Ed’s Shoppe which specializes in antiques, vinyl records, musical instruments, candy and other accessories. 

Owner Sharon Wessel has been working tirelessly to repair the damages and said she's determined to celebrate a grand reopening in the not-so-distant future. 

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The resiliency shown by Wessel can be felt throughout the community as the town works to overcome the historic flood. 

Rep. Houchin said she has also noticed that resiliency, community spirit and volunteerism in Metamora and in other local communities.

During her visit, she also spoke with Masters of Disaster which is a nonprofit dedicated to providing recovery efforts when a natural disaster occurs anywhere in the region.

Masters of Disaster has been a fixture in Metamora since this weekend. Their crew members have been going door-to-door to help with debris cleanup as well as connecting homeowners with available resources.

“It’s going to be a long process, but people here are working hard everyday to get this place back up to speed before Canal Days start. I look forward to coming back and enjoying the festivities when that happens,” Rep. Houchin said.

Available Resources

Rep. Houchin said one of her main goals of visiting Metamora was to speak with those affected and see how they are doing. 

“I also want to connect them with our office incase they need anything through this recovery process,” she explained. 

She is urging affected businesses and residents to contact Indiana 211. 

That is a 24/7 line that is dedicated to connecting people to resources. Indiana 211 has also increased staffing to meet the demand following the flood.

You can contact 211 by dialing “211” or 866-211-9966. 

There is also the State Disaster Relief Fund that can provide up to $5,000 for immediate needs for qualified residents. Get more information about that by clicking here.

Rep. Houchin is also encouraging affected residents and business owners to contact her office if they need assistance navigating disaster assistance. You can contact her by clicking here or by calling (812) 288-3999. 

Here is a brief resource guide she provided: