New storm recovery texting service to connect impacted Hoosiers with disaster resources

Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 12:36 PM

By Staff report

Governor Mike Braun announced a new texting tool intended to make it easier for Hoosiers impacted by the severe storms and flooding to find disaster recovery resources available in their communities.

Through Indiana 211, residents can now text IN211HELP to 898-211 to get started. The 24/7 service will prompt users to select the type of assistance they need and will provide a list of disaster-specific resources based on their entered zip code.

“Hoosiers impacted by these storms are focused on taking care of their families, their homes and their communities, and they shouldn’t have to spend hours searching for the help they need,” said Gov. Braun. “This new Indiana 211 disaster resources texting service puts disaster resources directly in the hands of Hoosiers and makes it easier to connect with available assistance as Indiana continues its recovery.”

Indiana 211 has played an important role in the state’s response to the recent storms, quickly connecting impacted Hoosiers with available assistance and resources. Indiana 211’s development of new tools, including the disaster texting service, will help make it easier for residents impacted by the storms to identify and access assistance in their communities.

Residents who need additional assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit IN211.org to search for community disaster resources, submit a Disaster Damage Reporting Form, submit an application for State Disaster Relief Funds or Military Family Relief Funds and connect with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Disaster Recovery Hub.

Using the Indiana 211 Disaster Texting Service*:

Text IN211HELP to 898-211 and follow the prompts.
You will be prompted to enter your zip code.
Reply with the type of disaster resources you are seeking from the provided menu. An additional prompt with sub-resource categories may be provided.
Once all prompts have been answered, Indiana 211 will text each resource available in your zip code, based on the need category you selected, directly to you.
For more resources, you can text IN211HELP again to start over.

* Standard msg&data rates may apply. Text STOP to opt-out. HELP for help. For end-user privacy and terms and conditions of texting with 898211, go to: https://educationalmessageservices.com/policies/