Indiana town creates flood relief fund, matches donations

GOSHEN, Ind. (AP) - Officials in a northern Indiana city have agreed to match donations made to a new flood relief fund to help homeowners replace items essential for winter.

Goshen City Council voted Tuesday to establish the fund for those recovering from record flooding caused by heavy rains last month.

Mayor Jeremy Stutsman requested the fund, which he said will help with recovery since county, state and federal aid may still be weeks or months away, the Elkhart Truth reported . Stutsman said many Goshen residents have been left without a working furnace or hot water heater.

"Goshen is in a different place from every other community in Elkhart County right now," he said. "Our water has already receded and people are trying to get their homes back up and running."

About 280 Goshen properties were affected by the flood, according to Stutsman. Fire Chief Danny Sink said very few of the homes had flood insurance.

"I can't over-emphasize the importance of this, for the leadership and the city to help people get back on their feet," Sink said.

Council members will set aside $100,000 from its rainy day fund to match every donation made to the flood relief fund. Stutsman said the city had already received about $15,000 in donations before the fund was established.

The city will collect the donations and nonprofit LaCasa will administer the fund. A review committee will enforce rules established for the fund, which will include guidelines for spending the money and qualifications for receiving aid.

Stutsman said the city will soon make an announcement about the fund's rules, which are still being drafted.

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Information from: The Elkhart Truth, http://www.elkharttruth.com